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Can you survive being hit by lightning?
Of every 10 people struck, nine will survive. But they could suffer a variety of short- and long-term effects: cardiac arrest, confusion, seizures, dizziness, muscle aches, deafness, headaches, memory deficits, distractibility, personality changes and chronic pain, among others.
Why do humans survive lightning strikes?
The relatively high voltage drop around poorer electrical conductors (such as a human being), causes the surrounding air to ionize and break down, and the external flashover diverts most of the main discharge current so that it passes “around” the body, reducing injury.
How many people survive lightning strikes?
According to the National Weather Service, approximately 90 percent of individuals struck by lightning survive, although many are left with lingering injuries and disabilities associated with being struck.
How can you survive being struck by lightning?
Keep your backside and hands off the ground, and stick your head between your knees. Don’t lie flat on the ground. Most people are hit by lightning that has struck the ground nearby and traveled up through them, so don’t increase your amount of surface area touching the ground.
What happens if you survive a lightning strike?
Many survivors of lightning strikes are left with debilitating injuries that could change them forever, said Jensenius. Lightning strikes can cause many long-term health problems, including muscle soreness, headaches, cognitive problems and nausea.
How can we save lightning?
Protect Yourself from Lightning Strikes
- Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges, or peaks.
- Never lie flat on the ground.
- Never shelter under an isolated tree.
- Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter.
- Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water.