MORE PEOPLE, LESS DEATHS BY LIGHTNING

Written by: Scott Hetsko

Despite the U.S. population doubling since the 1940s, lightning deaths in our country have dropped from 329 during the 1940s to only 42 this decade! There are many reasons for the decline:

1) Improved radar and lightning detection systems.

2) Better electrical protection in homes and offices. Less land lines telephones.

3) Increased use and availability of defibrillators to revive many who are struck by lightning.

4) Better awareness of the danger of lightning.