Jul 2, 2009 7:38 pm US/Eastern
Lightning Safety Crusade: A Survivor Speaks
BOSTON (WBZ) ―
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Lightning bolts are seen over Boston's skyline.
WBZ
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Mike Utley was struck by lightning nearly a decade ago, and he says he hasn't been the same since.
WBZ
"How are you doing these days," I asked Mike Utley.
He had been struck by lightning on a Cape Cod golf course almost a decade ago.
"I'm 6 months off the narcotics. I am still on a nerve drug. So I am 90 percent off the medicine -- I'm probably 80 percent back physically and mentally the same," said Mike.
We had first met a few years after he was struck. It was obvious then that he had been rewired. On Thursday, he was better -- his thoughts clearer. But to get to this place, it has been a long, long struggle.
"Lightning leaves little black spots in your brain. Your mood changes, your memory changes," said Mike. "I had to relearn everything."
During his comeback, Mike has made it a point to give back -- to educate others about the dangers of lightning and how to be safe. Several years ago he began
struckbylightning.org to keep tabs on lightning deaths and injuries for statistical purposes and to get the word out on how not to be part of those numbers.
"Lightning only kills 10 percent of those struck. Ninety percent live -- out of those, half wish they didn't," Mike stated.
"People hear thunder and go stand under a tree. Lightning hits the tree and gets two or three people. We end up with vegetables. It doesn't have to be that way," said Mike.
The odds of getting struck by lightning in a lifetime is 1 in 5,000, but your personal odds really depend on the actions you take when severe weather threatens. Lightning safety guidelines have changed over the last several years, but on the web, even sites hosted by the National Weather Service are outdated.
"There is information out there that if you follow it could get you killed," said Mike. Part of his crusade is to get the right information out to the public and clean up the misinformation still floating around.
30-30 RULE IS BROKEN
"Well intentioned but misinterpreted by the public," said Mike.
The idea -- if there is 30 seconds between the lightning flash until thunder is audible, it's time to go inside. Mike says AS SOON AS you hear thunder, you are within striking distance. Get to safety immediately --don't hang around counting. People have been killed doing just that. Waiting 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder still applies, but be sure to wait out the storm inside.
SKIP THE LIGHTNING SQUAT
"The government needs to give you something to do even if there is nothing to do, so they came up with the lightning squat," said Mike.
The idea is that if you are in an open field and can't get to shelter, you need to make yourself small. So the squat has you down in a crouch position balancing on the balls of your feet while tucking your head and covering your ears.
Not easy and not helpful, according to Mike. "You think that is going to save you from an electric charge that is 5 times hotter than the surface of the sun? People have misinterpreted the lightning squat to the point we have seen soccer players in the squat position outside of a gymnasium!"
Get inside a substantial building or into a hard topped vehicle.
"No one has ever been killed or seriously injured because of the metal frame, not the rubber tires," explained Mike.
There is NO safe place outside in a thunderstorm.
"It's not rocket science -- 'when thunder roars, go indoors.' It is a mantra Mike wants people to commit to memory.
PASS ON THE UNPLUG
The standard recommendation has been to unplug electrical equipment, but the ONLY time to do so is well in advance of storms and according to Mike, the effort might not even be worth it.
"If you unplug a power cord and leave it on the ground next to that socket, the lightning can easily jump from that socket to the power cord," explained Mike.
Most people unplug at the first rumble of thunder, which is the worst time to touch electrical equipment. In fact, this past May a teenager was zapped while unplugging his CD player during a storm.
"Let the plugs alone. It's insured. Don't put yourself at risk," Mike added.
IN THE HOME
A substantial building is your best bet in a storm, but there are inside safety rules you need to follow.
Stay away from windows and doors. Lightning travels through plumbing, through wiring, through water. Keep out of the tub, away from the dishes, and off corded phones. Even corded video games are a hazard. Cell phones are fine.
"If you are on a wireless terminal, no worries," Mike added.
"Stay safe in a storm. You don't want to be me. It's no fun," Mike concluded.
Check out more lightning safety tips.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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