Also on MSN-How to avoid being stuck by lightning

[underpants]

Summer Is Peak Time for Lightning Strikes
The rule of thumb? 'When thunder roars, go indoors'
-- Kevin McKeever

http://health.msn.com/health-topics/articlepage.aspx?cp-documentid=100210826>1=31036

About 50 Americans are struck and killed by lightning every year, with the summer months being the time when the most lightning-related injuries occur, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA).

Here are some tips to improve your odds:

While planning outdoor activities, be aware of what shelter is available nearby in the event you hear thunder. A house, school or large building is preferred. About 98 percent of lightning strike fatalities occurred outdoors, according to NOAA data.<--- so every year on average one person gets hit INDOORS!?!?!?

Once inside, keep away from phones (cell phones are fine), computers and other electronics pulling electricity into the structure. If lightning does enter a facility, it often does so through the electrical, phone, plumbing and radio/television reception systems, so stay away from these during storms. "Surprisingly, hard-wired phone use is the leading cause of indoor lightning injuries in the United States," Cooper said.

If you can't get inside a structure during a storm, get into a hardtop car, bus or truck. Never go under a tree. About 25 percent of lightning strike fatalities occurred when the person was under a tree, according to NOAA data. <--- that is 12.5 people every year!!

Wait 30 minutes after the last crack of thunder or flash of lightning before resuming activities.

[crimsonblue]

1. "Tommorow...

we will have tips on how to protect yourself against landshark attacks."

[XemaSab]

2. Followed by "Sars and West Nile: could they combine to create a supervirus?"

:scared:

[flvegan]

3. "98 percent of lightning strike fatalities occurred outdoors"

No shit, Sherlock.

[PVnRT]

4. Lightning can also be generated by a nuclear explosion

So, you know, watch out for that.

[hobbit709]

7. And volcanic eruptions

[LeftyMom]

5. God Hates Golfers. And people in Florida.

Under no circumstances should you piss the dude off by golfing in Florida, 'cause that's just fucking asking for it.

[Wcross]

6. I've been hit by lightning, it was quite an experience.

Spent the night in a hospital, had 3rd degree burns on my foot & on my buttocks. ( I was sitting on a bolt)It threw me 15 feet from where I was sitting.

[underpants]

10. Wow

a real life lightning survivor

:hi:

[Wcross]

11. The only way to describe it is an explosion.

Lots of sparks & smoke. I am a little more paranoid of lightning than the average person now.

[hobbit709]

12. You got a ways to go to catch up with Roy Sullivan

He got whomped 7 times

[Wcross]

13. I'm going to let Roy keep his record.

I never want to go through it again. I was lucky because it entered my foot & exited my buttocks. I doubt I would be alive today if it had passed through my vital organs.

[Kutjara]

8. "After the break:

Watch out for water - It's wet!"

[hobbit709]

9. There was a preacher at some revival meeting a couple of years ago

He was asking God for a sign and a bolt of lightning hit the steeple, traveled through the wiring and blasted him while he was holding the microphone, and set the steeple on fire. The congregation talked about how the Lord had called him home. I dunno-last I heard getting blasted by lightning was NOT a smiley face from God.