Zap! More Lightning Myths for Your Consideration
A couple weeks ago, we treated you to some common lightning myths. Well, here are a few more that struck us as interesting!
Lightning myths, while common enough, aren't quite as prevalent as lightning -- studies tell us that there are as many as eight million lightning strikes per day. In fact, most of what you know about lightning is probably inaccurate, especially given what's learned from popular media.
In our previous lightning article, we clarified a few myths about bolts from the blue, hiding from lightning in a rubber-tired car (a bad idea), and whether you're really safe from lightning if you stay indoors (not entirely). In this follow-up, we're happy to introduce you to the truth about four more lightning-related myths.
Myth 1: Lightning will Always Strike the Tallest Object in the Vicinity.
This may just be one of the most dangerous lightning myths out there. If you feel that a lightning strike is imminent -- and sometimes you really can feel it by a tingling feeling and your hair standing up -- get inside as fast as you can! Don't hide under a tree, and don't assume a church steeple will get hit before you will be struck.
It's simply not true that lightning hits only the tallest objects in an area. Height does draw in more lightning, but these mega-electrical charges are more interested in the best electrical conductor. Sadly, sometimes the best conductor around is a human being.
Myth 2: If You Lie Flat in a Lightning Storm, You'll Be Safe.
This lightning myth is basically an extension of the previous myth. It doesn't matter if you lie flat on the ground. If you're the best electrical conductor in the vicinity you will attract the lightning strike. This is doubly true if you're wearing a lot of metal objects or carrying a bunch of coins or electronic devices in your pockets. Just get inside, quick!
Myth 3. A Lightning Victim is Filled with Electricity, So if you Touch Them, You'll Get Zapped!
Completely untrue. Lightning is a transitory force. Once it hits an object it quickly dissipates, usually into the ground. A person will stay "electrified" only if they're connected constantly to a source of current. However, the electricity may cause convulsions that make it appear they're still being jolted.
Don't let a lightning victim lie there just because you've let this lightning myth replace your common sense. Render first aid immediately, and get someone to call for help as soon as you can. Getting stuck by lightning isn't necessarily a death sentence.
Myth 4: An Airplane will Explode if it's Hit by Lightning.
If this were true, there would be many more exploding planes in the news than there actually are, since most commercial jetliners get hit about once a year. While lightning-related plane crashes do happen (the last one in the U.S. was in 1967), most planes usually just shrug off the lightning and keep flying.
Airplanes are well insulated against lightning strikes because of their aluminum skin, and a small device called a "static wick" that helps dissipate the electrical surge from a lightning strike.
So don't allow these lightning myths to prevent you from helping yourself or a victim of a lightning strike!
