Dispelling Myths About Lightning Strikes

9/13/2021 (Permalink)

If you have damage due to a storm or lightning strike, SERVPRO of Paulding/Polk Counties are here to help.

Lightning is an extremely common weather occurrence, but it is also an event that is typically
misunderstood. Every single thunderstorm contains lightning (in fact, lightning is actually what causes thunder), which means every single thunderstorm presents the risk for injuries and fires due to lightning strikes.

Though lightning strikes frequently, there are many persistent myths about its dangers, its
behaviors and its deterrents, which we will be dispelling below.

Lightning Myth 1: If It Is Not Raining, You’re Safe
Lightning is an extremely powerful force and has been known to strike up to three miles from a
storm’s center—meaning you can be far away from the rain and even the cloud cover and still
be threatened by lightning.

Lightning Myth 2: It Will Only Strike the Tallest Object
Lightning is not logical in its approach, and it will often strike objects that are much lower than
those around them. Lightning has been known to strike the ground next to a tree or a car next to
a house, so it is impossible to predict exactly where it will land.

Lightning Myth 3: Lie Flat on the Ground if You Can’t Find Shelter
While lying flat on the ground may seem like it would make you less of a target in a
thunderstorm, it is actually an extremely dangerous position to put yourself in. When lightning strikes, it can produce major electrical currents that can run through whatever it has hit—so if it strikes the ground, you can put yourself at risk for electrocution if you are lying down.

Lightning Myth 4: A Car’s Tires Will Protect You From Lightning
While sheltering in a car is not the worst thing you could do in a storm, the safety it provides has nothing to do with the rubber car tires. If lightning strikes a car, the car’s metal body will divert the lightning away from the passengers and pass it through to the ground. This also means that if you are in a vehicle with a fiberglass construction (such as an RV), it does not offer adequate protection.

If you have damage due to a storm or lightning strike, we are here to help. We can help with
water damage, fire damage and more—contact us today to learn all about our services.