When lightning strikes…before and after!

To date in 2017, in the United States, 15 people have been killed by lightning, and on average 31 people are killed per annum [1]; in Canada that number is approximately 10 per annum with another 164 people injured.[2] Outdoor recreation activities have accounted for over 70 per cent of those previously killed and over 62 per cent of those injured by lightning in Canada.[3] It is hypothesized that as global temperatures rise, more and more lightning storms will occur. The number of lightning strikes hitting the surface of the earth is predicted to increase 12% for every degree Celsius of warming.[4] If this prediction is proven to be true, that represents a significant increase in risk to those undertaking recreational activities and those working remotely. Preparation and planning will be of utmost importance in avoiding lightning related injuries. In this article we will outline information about lightning, lightning safety, and management of lightning injuries.