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Lightning

NFPA Safety Tips

	If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. Look for shelter inside a home, large building, or a hard-topped vehicle right away. Do not go under tall tress for shelter. There is no place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before leaving your shelter.
	Stay away from windows and doors.
	If you are in or on open water, go to land and seek shelter immediately.
	See all safety tips

Fires started by lightning peak in the summer months and in the late afternoon and early evening.

During 2002-2005, U.S. fire departments responded to an estimated annual average of 31,400 fires started by lightning. These fires caused annual averages of 12 civilian deaths, 57 civilian injuries, and $213 million in direct property damage.
Outside and other fires accounted for 78% of the lightning fires reported to local fire departments.
In 2002-2005, only 16% of reported lightning fires occurred in homes but these accounted for nearly all the associated civilian deaths, 90% of the associated injuries, and 58% of the direct property damage.

Source: NFPA's "Lightning Fires and Lightning Strikes" report by Marty Ahrens, January 2008

NFPA does not test, label or approve any products.
Updated: 11/08

In this Section:

			Lightning safety tips It's important to be prepared for this dangerous weather phenomenon.					Reports and statistics NFPA reports and other research on lightning.