Last year was the least deadly for the United States in the number of fatalities from lightning strikes.
According to the report of the National oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA), in 2017 recorded a record low fatalities associated with zip – 16.
«The continuing downward trend in annual fatalities is encouraging,» said John Jensenius, a security specialist at NOAA.
Deaths due to lightning have begun to document in the 1940-ies. For example, in 1943, such accidents were recorded 432. Then the victims of lightning were generally the farmers (from 200 to 400 people per year), which during a thunderstorm worked on tractors and other farm equipment.
Jensenius, believes that a key factor in reducing the number of deaths was the work on public awareness about the dangers of lightning and when you need to go in search of asylum.
«In addition, improvement of treatment methods, including the use of cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and automatic external defibrillators (AED) helped save the lives of victims,» – said the expert.
Half of those killed by lightning in 2017, engaged in outdoor activitiessuch as Cycling, Golf, horse riding, fishing and camping.
People spending time outdoors, especially during the peak lightning season (June-August), experts recommend taking a few precautions. When the storm approaches you go indoors, find a secure place in advance and avoid spaces under a tree or near water.
Experts report that after a lightning strike, the survivors for life remain complications, including problems with memory.
For the record, American Roy Sullivan, an employee of the national Park, known for the fact that for 35 years it 7 times struck by lightning, but he survived.
