Mimeo S-38
Safety Makes Sense: Lightning Protection
by F. R. Willsey, Extension Safety Specialist, Agricultural Engineering Department
Each year about 200 persons in the United States are killed by lightning. Some 1,000 more are injured. It was estimated by the National Safety Council that in one year there were 29,400 fires started by lightning. The loss from these fires amounted to $26,590,000.
Whether you live in a city, a suburb, or in the country you should understand the need for lightning protection. Even city homes, particularly in elevated areas, are likely to be struck by lightning. Everyone should know how to seek protection from lightning when on a golf course, picnic or vacation.
EMERGENCY PROTECTION
There are many ways to quickly protect yourself from lightning. The best place to be during a thunder storm is in a building equipped with lightning rods. Also large metal or metal framed buildings provide good protection. Your next best defense is an automobile or truck with a metal top and body. Buildings with no lightning rods can even provide considerable lightning protection. In these buildings you should stay away from open doors and windows, fireplaces, stoves, pipes, and other metal objects.
Do not go out of doors during a thunder storm unless absolutely necessary. If you must be outside during a storm, seek shelter in a heavily wooded area or lie down in a low area in the ground.
Always avoid isolated trees and small sheds in exposed areas. Never go near a wire fence. Stay away from hilltops and large open spaces.
HOME PROTECTION
Your home can be made almost 100 percent safe from lightning by an adequate lightning protection system. Both installation and maintenance are important in order to avoid defects that might result in possible damage. For your best assurance of high quality protection ask your contractor to provide an Underwriter's Laboratory Master Label installation.
After you have a lightning protection system installed, don't overlook maintenance. Connections may work loose or cables and rods may break. Periodical checks and adequate repairs should be made to assure protection. If a lightning rod which is not grounded is hit by lightning, serious damage to the house and its occupants may result.
ELECTRICAL SHOCK VICTIMS
Rescue. In case of electric shock, cut off the house switch if possible. Separate the person from the contact by means of a long dry stick (not containing sap), a dry rope, or goodly length of dry cloth. Be sure that your hands are dry and you are standing on a dry surface. High tension wires out of doors make rescue even more
Cooperative Extension Service, PURDUE UNIVERSITY, Lafayette, Indiana