When Thunder Roars, GO INDOORS!

Written By: Scott Hetsko

Summer is the peak season for one of the nation's deadliest weather phenomena— lightning. But don't be fooled, lightning strikes year round. In the United States, an average of 62 people are killed each year by lightning:

To date, 19 people have been killed by lightning in 2009.

In 2008, 28 people in the U.S. died due to lightning strikes.

• Hundreds of others were permanently injured. Of the victims who were killed by lightning in 2008:
  
  • 100% outside
  • 79% male
  • 36% males between the ages of 20-25
  • 32% under a tree
  29% on or near the water

The reported number of injuries is likely far lower than the actual total number because many people do not seek help or doctors do not record it as a lightning injury. People struck by lightning suffer from a variety of long-term, debilitating symptoms, including memory loss, attention deficits, sleep disorders, numbness, dizziness, stiffness in joints, irritability, fatigue, weakness, muscle spasms, depression, and an inability to sit for long.