Striking down lightning myths

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – Florida has been called the Lightning Capital of the United States. On average - 39 people are hurt and 6 people are killed by lightning in the state each year. Staying safe means knowing fact from fiction. Here are some of the most common questions people have about lightning.

1. How close is the storm based on lightning followed by thunder?

Recommended Videos



Just count the number of seconds that pass between a flash of lightning and the crack of thunder that follows it, then divide that number by 5. The resulting number will tell you how many miles away you are from where the lightning just struck. You can divide by 3 for kilometers.  For example, 10 seconds indicates the lightning struck 2 miles away.

2. Are you safe from lightning inside a car?

Some people think the rubber tires on a car help protect a driver and passengers from from a lightning strike, but this is a myth. It's what's sitting on top of the tires that makes the difference. A fully enclosed, all-metal vehicle is safe. But don't touch the interior metallic areas on a car.

3. Are you safe taking a shower/bath during a storm?

The National Weather Service urges the public to avoid hopping in the shower during a lightning storm in the event that a bolt strikes one of your home's water pipes and electrifies your bathroom.

4. Is it safe to use a landline phone during a storm?

In short, no. Lightning strikes have killed people who were talking on the telephone.

5. Should you turn of appliances, computers, etc?

Unplugging computers and other electronic devices is the best way to prevent damage to those pieces of equipment. A surge protector is also highly recommended as a way of prevent surges in electrical current from reaching your equipment, whether that surge comes over the phone or power lines.