Lightning claims up nearly 15 percent in 2010

This week marks Lightning Safety Awareness Week, a week which sheds more light on a common occurrence but destructive force.

Environment Canada says that each year, there are between nine and 10 lightning-related deaths in the country and up to 164 lightning-related injuries. The majority of lightning-related deaths and injuries occur in Ontario and summer is the most dangerous time. Environment Canada data shows that between 1986 and 2005, 87.3 percent of all lightning-related deaths and injuries occurred in June, July and August (at 20.9 percent, 39 percent and 27.4 percent respectively.)

But lightning is not only dangerous to the body; it can severely damage dwellings.

The U.S.-based Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.) found that the number of homeowners’ insurance claims involving lightning rose nearly 15 percent in 2010 from 2009 to 213,000. These losses ranged from damage to expensive electronic equipment to structural fires that destroyed entire homes.

The I.I.I. puts the average lightning claim at $4,846. By comparison, in 2009, there were about 185,000 lightning claims, which caused nearly $800 million in insured losses with the average claim totaling $4,296. The average cost per claim rose nearly 13 percent from 2009 to 2010 and more than 80 percent from 2004-2010, even as the actual number of claims fell by a little over 23 percent over the six-year period.

“Most people are very apathetic about protecting themselves from lightning,” said Jeanne M. Salvatore, I.I.I.’s senior vice president and consumer spokesperson. “And the average person often confuses lightning myths with lightning facts.”

According to the Lightning Protection Institute (LPI), three of the most common lightning myths are:

1. Lightning never strikes the same place twice. Fact: Lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially if it is a tall, pointy, isolated object.

1. If it is not raining or if there are no clouds overhead, you are safe from lightning. Fact: Lightning often strikes more than three miles from the thunderstorm, far outside the area covered by the rain or even the thunderstorm clouds.

1. Lightning rods attract lightning. Fact: Lightning rods DO NOT attract lightning. Instead, they provide a path to the ground for discharging the dangerous electricity.

To protect yourself from lightning, the I.I.I. and the LPI recommend the following key actions:

1. If you are outside with a thunderstorm approaching, seek shelter inside a building as soon as possible—ideally in a structure with a lightning protection system. If you hear thunder, then lightning is close enough to strike. Remember, if thunder roars, go indoors!
2. If a building is not available take shelter in car with a metal roof and keep doors and windows closed. It is the metal frame of the car that protects you from lightning and not the rubber tires. Wearing rubber soled shoes will also not provide any protection. If there is no building or car in which to take shelter, try to minimize your risk by going to an area of lower elevation and staying away from bodies of water and trees. One of the most dangerous places to be in a thunderstorm is under a tree.
3. If someone has been struck by lightning, provide first-aid immediately. It is perfectly safe to touch someone who has been struck by lightning—you will not get an electrical shock. Call 911 immediately and begin CPR or use a defibrillator if available.
4. Invest in a lightning protection system for your home and or business. A building with a properly installed lightning protection system is a smart investment as it provides proven protection for your family, home and values. It is an important safety investment in areas prone to lightning.

Lightning Safety Awareness Week runs from June 19 through the 25.

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