Lightning detector alerts have been busy this summer as weather conditions have been perfect for lightning strikes throughout the United States. In the month of July alone, Lee County, Florida racked up an impressive 83,648 total lightning strikes. While the U.S. loses an average of only 49 people to lightning strikes each year, 30 lightning deaths have already been recorded as of August 26, 2016. Even though lightning detectors and alerting systems are all over the U.S., the annual lightning death total has the potential to be more than average this year. But why?
Lightning detectors and alerting systems are a critical advancement to lightning safety. From advanced monitoring and alerting systems that can be installed at public areas and businesses to simple mobile applications, lightning safety information is accessible to practically everyone in the U.S. Lightning detectors can warn of approaching storms, assess the probability for other dangerous conditions and give the all-clear sign when lightning is no longer a threat. The problem with lightning detectors is that they cannot protect people unless people react to them quickly, seriously and without question.
When a lightning detector sends out an alert, be it a horn blast, strobe light or text message, reacting immediately is necessary for protecting lives and critical infrastructure. Lightning detectors send out alerts when pulses of lightning are within a certain radius (normally 8-10 miles) of the area. Oftentimes, lightning will not be visible from the at-risk area. This is a protective measure designed to leave enough time to seek shelter before lightning is a threat to safety. The biggest mistake made when reacting to lightning alerts is not taking the warning seriously.