Lightning

Of all the storm hazards in the United States, only floods and flash floods consistently kill more people than lightning! Florida leads the nation in lightning strikes. In fact, Central Florida is the nation's "Lightning Hot Spot.”

Bear in mind that rain doesn’t always accompany lightning, and people can be surprised by strikes that come from afar. Remember, if you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning, which may occur as far as 10 miles from an area experiencing rainfall.

MYTH: The rubber soles of shoes or tires on a car will protect you from being struck by lightning.

FACT: Rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide NO protection from lightning. The steel frame of a hard-topped vehicle provides increased protection if you are not touching metal. You are much safer IN the vehicle than outside.

To safeguard your family and possessions, please consider the use of surge protectors on major appliances. For more on the subject of lightning protection, we will defer to the experts, Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL), www.ul.com. Please check their web site for information on the latest protection systems that may be suitable for your home.