It’s National Lightning Safety Awareness Week and we understand the importance of raising awareness about lightning safety and providing valuable information to help protect you, your employees, and your property. In this blog, we’ll share fascinating facts and statistics about lightning while offering practical tips on how to stay safe during thunderstorms.

Lightning Facts and Statistics:

• Lightning can reach temperatures of approximately 53,540 degrees Fahrenheit, which is five times hotter than the surface of the sun.
• On average, lightning strikes the Earth’s surface about 100 times per second or 8 million times a day.
• In the United States, lightning is responsible for an average of 20,000 fires annually.
• Each year, lightning causes an average of 30 fatalities and hundreds of injuries in the United States alone.
• Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from a thunderstorm, known as a “bolt from the blue.”

Understanding Lightning Safety:

• Stay inside a safe structure such as a building or a vehicle with a metal roof during thunderstorms.
• Avoid taking shelter under trees, open structures, or near bodies of water during a storm, as they increase the risk of lightning strikes.
• If you’re caught outdoors without proper shelter, crouch down with your feet together, minimizing contact with the ground, and avoid being the tallest object in the area.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder before resuming outdoor activities.

Protecting Your Business:

• Install a lightning protection system designed by a qualified professional. These systems provide a path of least resistance, guiding lightning safely to the ground and away from your building.
• Unplug valuable electronic equipment before a storm to prevent damage from power surges caused by lightning strikes.
• Invest in surge protectors to safeguard your electronics and electrical systems.
• Review your small business insurance policy to ensure you have adequate coverage for lightning-related damages, including fire, power surges, and equipment destruction.

Educating Employees:

• Conduct lightning safety training sessions for your employees to raise awareness and educate them about the risks associated with lightning.
• Establish an emergency plan that includes designated safe areas within your premises where employees can seek shelter during storms.
• Share lightning safety tips through newsletters, emails, or posters to reinforce a culture of safety and preparedness.

During National Lightning Safety Awareness Week, it’s crucial to prioritize safety and take steps to protect yourself, your employees, and your business from the dangers of lightning. Remember, lightning may be awe-inspiring, but when it comes to staying safe, it’s essential to be well-prepared and lightning aware!

Please note that the information contained in this posting is designed to provide general awareness in regard to the subject matter covered. It is not provided as legal, medical, or tax advice, nor is it intended to address all concerns in your workplace or for public health. No representation is made as to the sufficiency for your specific company’s needs. This post should be reviewed by your legal counsel or tax consultant before use.