Lightning Danger

Tools

By Madelyn Jarrett

Story Published: Jul 6, 2009 at 8:41 PM MST

Story Updated: Jul 7, 2009 at 5:54 AM MST

BILLINGS - Mother Nature added some fireworks of her own to Billings' Independence Day celebration this past weekend.

The festivities turned fatal when 26-year-old Blake Harmon, enjoying time with family and friends at Castle Rock Park, was struck by lightning. "One third of people struck by lightning will die and about three fourths that die will die within an hour," said Billings Clinic ER Dr. Peter Light.

When the lightning storm rolled in Saturday, should event coordinators have called the celebration off, or warned people to seek safety? "When you're in an area and you see lightning, you have to be individually responsible and find a place that's safe," said Billings Fire Chief Paul Dextras.

About 100 people die from lightning strikes across the country every year. Experts say there are things you can do to protect yourself. "If you're caught in the open and there's a lightning storm, it's wise to roll into a ball and lower your profile, avoid metallic objects," said Dr. Light.

Doctors say a car is a pretty safe place to go, if you're not near one, get low. Make sure you're not the highest point in the area, or near it; and stay out of water. Because even though an accident like this is as likely as being struck by lightning, this weekend proved just how devastating the results can be.

Doctors say the most common time for lightning strikes is May thru September in the afternoon.

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