Latest news with #NationalLightningSafetyAwarenessWeek
USA Today
4 days ago
- Climate
- USA Today
Golf courses are one of the top spots for lightning fatalities; how can you stay safe?
Lightning kills about 20 people in the United States each year, and hundreds more are severely injured, according to the National Weather Service. The numbers became real when a Colorado man was hit by lightning in New Smyrna Beach on June 20 as he stood in ankle-deep water. Initially in critical condition after being hospitalized, the 29-year-old man − in Florida for his honeymoon − died from the lightning strike the next day. On June 8, Spencer Loalbo, a 41-year-old father of three and his father were golfing in Gunter, Texas, when they were hit by a single bolt from a single storm cloud, authorities said, according to NBC 5 in Dallas. Loalbo was killed in the "blink of an eye," stated a GoFundMe fundraiser set up for his wife and daughters. His father was critically injured and taken to a hospital. Spencer Loalbo's death was the third lightning fatality in the United States this year. Golf has contributed to about 3% of lightning death since 2006, according to data compiled by Jensenius. ➤ Weather alerts via text: Sign up to get updates about current storms and weather events by location Lightning is nothing new to Florida, which kept its title in 2024 as the state with the most lightning, according to AEM, which describes itself as essential source for environmental insights. "While lightning fatalities have decreased over the past 30 years, lightning continues to be one of the top storm-related killers in the United States," the National Lightning Safety Council said. "In addition, lightning injures many more people than it kills and leaves some survivors with life-long health problems." 'Underrated killer': Lightning Safety Awareness Week held June 22-28, 2025 National Lightning Safety Awareness Week started in 2001 in order "to call attention to lightning being an underrated killer," the National Weather Service said. This year, the week started Sunday, June 22, and continues until Saturday, June 28. Daily graphics help explain the dangers and how to stay informed. Florida leads US with number of lightning strikes per square mile In AEM's report, Florida retained its rank as the top state for the number of lightning strikes per square mile: 76. Top 10 states for lightning strikes in 2024 The 'deadly dozen': What were people doing when killed by lightning? According to the National Weather Service and Lightning Safety Council, the 12 activities that contributed to the most lightning fatalities in the U.S. between 2006 and 2024 were: Hear thunder? Lightning is within striking distance. Here's how to stay safe "It is important to understand that there is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are in the area," the Lightning Safety Council warned. "If you hear thunder, you are likely within striking distance of the storm." Lightning can strike more than 10 miles from a thunderstorm. "While lightning fatalities have decreased over the past 30 years, lightning continues to be one of the top storm-related killers in the United States. In addition, lightning injures many more people than it kills and leaves some survivors with life-long health problems." Many people wait too long to get to a safe place and then go back outside too soon, before the threat is over, the National Weather Service said. "When thunder roars, go indoors." "If you can hear thunder, you are in danger; don't be fooled by blue skies. Lightning can strike more than 10 miles from a thunderstorm, well ahead of any rain, or well after the rain has ended," the National Lightning Safety Council said. Lightning safety tips if you're outside The National Lightning Safety Council offered this advice to stay safe if you're outside: Lightning safety tips if you're inside When lightning hits a building, it often follows wiring or plumbing to ground. To be safe, you don't want to be connected to either. You also want to avoid any metal that could provide lightning with a path from outside your home to inside, such as a doorknob, according to the the National Lightning Safety Council, which offered this advice to stay safe if you're inside: What do you do if someone is struck by lightning? Cardiac arrest is the immediate cause of death for those who die after being hit by lightning. Lightning victims do not carry an electrical charge and are safe to touch, the Lightning Safety Council said. If possible, move the victim to a safer place. Lightning can strike twice. If someone is struck by lightning, they may need immediate medical attention. Call 911 and monitor the victim. Start CPR if you're trained or use an Automated External Defibrillator, if needed. Florida leads US in number of lightning fatalities in 2024 There were 12 lightning fatalities in 2024, according to the latest numbers released Dec. 17 by the National Weather Service and the Lightning Safety Council. Five lightning-strike deaths were in Florida: Top Florida counties by number of lightning strikes per square mile The top county in the U.S. when it came to flash density, or the number of lightning strikes per square mile, in 2024 was Limestone County in Texas, which had had average of 125 flashes per square mile. That number was significantly higher than any other county in the U.S., including Florida. Top 10 Florida counties by flash density in 2024: Bottom 10 Florida counties when it comes to lightning strikes per square mile This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.
USA Today
22-06-2025
- Climate
- USA Today
People keep being struck by lightning: 4 reports in about 24 hours
The lightning injuries occur just as the 25th annual National Lightning Safety Awareness Week kicks off on June 22. At least four people were struck by lightning over a time span of roughly 24 hours on June 19 and 20 as summer thunderstorms pummeled parts of the nation. A 15-year-old boy survived being struck by lightning in Central Park in New York City on the afternoon of June 19, according to reports by Accuweather and media outlets in the area. The following day, on June 20, three men experienced jolts in New Smyrna Beach, Florida, on the state's east-central coast. A 29-year-old Colorado man standing in the ocean in ankle deep water around 12:30 p.m. was critically injured by a lightning strike, according to Tammy Malphurs, director of Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue. A bystander and lifeguards immediately started life-saving measures, but the victim was unresponsive when taken from the scene to a local hospital, authorities said. Later that afternoon, about eight miles inland, two men on the Venetian Bay golf course were jolted when lightning struck nearby, but neither of them were taken to the hospital, according to WESH 2, a local television station The lightning injuries occur just as the 25th annual National Lightning Safety Awareness Week kicks off on June 22. 'It's a good time to remember the dangers that exist,' said John Jensenius, lightning specialist with the National Lightning Safety Council. 'We are about to enter the peak of the lightning season across the U.S.,' Jensenius said. 'With the increased lightning activity and the increase in people enjoying outdoor activities, we typically see an increase in lightning fatalities from late June through August." On June 8, Spencer Loalbo, a 41-year-old father of three and his father were golfing in Gunter, Texas when they were hit by a single bolt from a single storm cloud, authorities said, according to NBC 5 in Dallas. Loalbo was killed in the "blink of an eye" stated a Go Fund Me fundraiser set up for his wife and daughters. His father was critically injured and taken to a hospital. Spencer Loalbo's death was the third lightning fatality in the U.S. this year. The leading cause of lightning deaths is fishing, and it's already responsible for two lightning deaths this year, USA TODAY previously reported. Lightning strikes on golf courses are tied with yard work for 11th place on the list of activities responsible for the most lightning deaths, Jensenius said. Forty-two lightning deaths have been reported in Texas since 2006, second only to Florida, where 93 deaths have been attributed to lightning over the same time span. Several hundred people are injured by lightning each year. Most survive, but many have lifelong neurological symptoms. If you're going to be outside, it's important to remain alert for changing weather conditions, according to the Safety Council and National Weather Service. Plan in advance where you would seek shelter, and if you hear thunder, go indoors. How do people get struck by lightning? In one of four ways: Where can you shelter if caught outside? Learn more about lightning: Contributing: Patricio G. Balona and Sheldon Gardner, Daytona Beach News-Journal, USA TODAY Network, and Doyle Rice, USA TODAY.
Business Wire
19-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Triple-I: Lightning Caused $1.04B in US Homeowners Claim Payouts in 2024; Frequency Drops 21.5% Year-Over-Year
MALVERN, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--U.S. insurers paid $1.04 billion in lightning-related homeowners insurance claims in 2024, a 16.5% decrease from the $1.24 billion paid out in 2023, according to the latest figures from the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I). 'Fewer claims and a decline in severity indicate increased awareness and improved mitigation." The total number of lightning-caused claims also fell significantly, down 21.5% to 55,537 in 2024, the lowest number of claims since before 2017. More than half of all claims came from the top 10 states, with Florida, Texas and California leading the nation. 'Fewer claims and a decline in severity indicate increased awareness, and improved mitigation,' said Triple-I CEO Sean Kevelighan. 'Nonetheless, lightning remains a significant threat to property and safety, particularly during storm season.' Based on national insurance claims data compiled to coincide with National Lightning Safety Awareness Week (June 22-28, 2025), the Triple-I estimated that: In 2024, U.S. lightning–caused claims decreased by 21.5% to 55,537 (from 70,787 in 2023), with the top 10 states by number of claims contributing to more than half of the total. National claim value decreased 16.5% (from $1.24 billion) to $1.04 billion. While the national average cost per claim was $18,641, the average per claim was $38,558 in Texas. 'Lightning remains a costly and unpredictable threat, with ground surges causing nearly half of all claims,' said Michal Brower of State Farm. 'These events can cause extensive damage to electrical systems, appliances and even structural issues. The damage underscores the critical need for homeowners to be aware of the risks, invest in protective measures, and stay prepared, especially in high-risk regions where lightning strikes are most frequent and damaging.' State Farm is the largest writer of homeowners insurance in the U.S., with direct premiums written of $31.46 billion in 2024. Homeowners Insurance Claims and Payout for Lightning Losses, 2017-2024 Year Value of claims ($ millions) Number of claims Average cost per claim 2017 $916.61 85,020 $10,781 2018 908.93 77,898 11,668 2019 920.05 76,860 11,971 2020 2,066.74 71,551 28,885 2021 1,313.06 60,851 21,578 2022 950.22 62,189 15,280 2023 1,239.72 70,787 17,513 2024 1,035.28 55,537 18,641 Percent change 2024 - 2023 -16.5% -21.5% 6.4% 2024 - 2017 12.9% -34.7% 72.9% Source: Insurance Information Institute, State Farm®. Expand State Rankings Not surprisingly, Florida – the state which incurs the most thunderstorms annually – remained the top state for the number of lightning claims in 2024, with 4,780. However, Texas had the highest average cost per claim at $38,558. Top 10 States for Homeowners Insurance Lightning Losses by Number of Claims, 2024 Rank State Value of claims Number of claims Average cost per claim 1 Florida $113,218,813 4,780 $23,686 2 Texas 168,461,044 4,369 38,558 3 California 75,028,400 4,005 18,734 4 Georgia 48,546,426 3,376 14,380 5 North Carolina 30,299,433 2,574 11,771 6 Louisiana 34,306,009 2,283 15,027 7 Alabama 36,617,416 2,175 16,836 8 New York 34,109,020 1,937 17,609 9 Pennsylvania 15,777,521 1,792 8,804 10 Illinois 24,068,318 1,626 14,802 Top 10 States $580,432,401 28,917 $20,072 Source: Insurance Information Institute, State Farm®. Expand Damage caused by lightning, such as fire, is covered by standard homeowners, condo, renters and business insurance policies. Some homeowners policies provide coverage for power surges that are the direct result of a lightning strike. The Lightning Protection Institute (LPI) noted that lightning strikes can occur at an astonishing 100 times per second. 'Whether it's a family home or a mission-critical facility, no property is immune to lightning," said Tim Harger, executive director at LPI, whose organization provides resources for the design, installation and inspection of lightning protection systems. 'The most effective time to prevent lightning damage is before a storm. A lightning risk assessment paired with a professionally installed protection system can make all the difference in keeping people safe and operations uninterrupted.' Facts and Statistics: Lightning Lightning Video The Dangers of Shoddy Lightning Protection System Installations ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety Lightning Protection Institute NOAA/National Weather Service Small Business Administration About the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) Since 1960, the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) has been the trusted voice of risk and insurance, delivering unique, data-driven insights to educate, elevate, and connect consumers, industry professionals, policymakers, and the media. An affiliate of The Institutes, Triple-I represents a diverse membership accounting for nearly 50% of all U.S. property/casualty premiums written. Our members include mutual and stock companies, personal and commercial lines, primary insurers, and reinsurers – serving regional, national, and global markets. About The Institutes The Institutes® are a not-for-profit comprised of diverse affiliates that educate, elevate, and connect people in the essential disciplines of risk management and insurance. Through products and services offered by The Institutes and nearly 20 affiliated business units, people and organizations are empowered to help those in need with a focus on understanding, predicting, and preventing losses to create a more resilient world. The Institutes is a registered trademark of The Institutes. All rights reserved.
