7/31/07 - Tampa International Airport
A baggage handler for US Airways was struck by lightning while bringing an airplane to the gate on Tuesday afternoon. The bolt apparently struck the ground before a residual bolt struck the agent, lessening the blow, but sending him to the hospital. As of late Wednesday, he is still in the hospital with an irregular heart beat. This is after two incidences 11 days before where in one a man was struck while trying to get into his car in Brandon, and in another a boy and his mother were struck while on the beach in Treasure Island. The boy died from his injuries several days later. That's 4 people in 11 day within 25 miles of each other. I bring all of this up to remind every one about the dangers of lightning. If you are reading this post you are probably someone who enjoys fishing or other outdoor activities. If you spend enough time in the outdoors, there will be a time when you are caught in the open during a lightning storm. I have found a great web page on the National Weather Service web site called 'Lightning Risk Reduction Outdoors... When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!', www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/outdoors.htm. This is the best, most complete, source of information on lightning safety I have found. It should be required reading for all sport team coaches and outdoor enthusiasts. I will give you the basics here, but please read the entire article.
A fully enclosed building is the safest place. Dugouts, sheds, and picnic shelters are NOT safe!!
A car, truck, or van with a hard top is the next safest place. A soft top vehicle is NOT safe!!
If you are outside, get inside a safe building or vehicle and stay there until 30 minutes after you last hear thunder.
If you are on a boat and it has a cabin, get inside the cabin and stay away from metal and electronics.
