Lightning Myths

Myth: If it is not raining, there is no danger from lightning.
Fact: Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur more than 16 km away from a storm. Use the 30-30 rule. If you count 30 seconds or less between lightning and thunder, seek shelter. Remain sheltered for 30 minutes after the last thunder.

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Myth: Persons who have been struck by lightning carry an electrical charge.
Fact: Although someone struck be lightning receives an electrical shock they do not carry an electrical charge and can be safely handled. Victims may be suffering from burns or shock and should receive immediate medical attention. If breathing has stopped, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation should be administered. If breathing and pulse are absent, cardio-pulmonary resuscitation is required.

Myth: The rubber soles of shoes or boots or rubber tires on a car will protect you from being struck by lightning.
Fact: Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide no protection from lightning. Lightning (striking between the cloud and the ground) has potentially traveled thousands of metres through thin air; rubber-soled footwear or tires are inconsequential. However, the metal shell of a car provides a pathway for the lightning strike to flow around the vehicle, provided the car has a hardtop metal roof (not a convertible). Although such vehicles do not offer absolute protection from lightning, you are much safer inside with your hands on your lap than outside during lightning.

Myth: Lightning never strikes twice.
Fact: The Empire State Building in New York City has been struck as frequently as 15 times in 15 minutes, and is struck 22-100 times a year.

Myth: Cell phones attract lightning.
Fact: Although cell phones do not attract lightning, you should not use them outside during a thunderstorm because of how it could harmfully change the current directed through the body if struck by lightning while using one.