Lightning Strikes Damage MD Homes, Buildings: Here's How To Stay Safe

Lightning strikes have damaged multiple homes in Maryland this year, sparking fires and displacing more than two dozen residents of a condominium building.

Most recently, a severe thunderstorm that swept across Prince George's County on July 8 generated lightning that struck two houses and sparked fires. A week earlier, lightning caused another fire to break out at a 12-unit condominium building in Bel Air, displacing 25 residents.

In May, a Bel Air home narrowly escaped a house fire after lightning struck a gas line that ran into the residence.

No people have been fatally struck by lightning in Maryland this year, and the state has recorded only four lightning fatalities since 2006. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Florida has more lightning injuries than any other state, with more than 2,000 recorded over the last 50 years.

Last month, Florida saw four separate cases of strikes in just a few weeks that left at least eight people injured, including one 29-year-old man who died after being taken to the hospital. The Colorado man had been honeymooning on the beach when he was hit.

In New Jersey, two people were killed by lightning in the past two weeks.

Most recently, on Wednesday night, a 61-year-old New Jersey man died after he was hit by lightning as severe weather rolled through an archery range in Jackson. Fourteen other people were also struck and suffered injuries that ranged from burns to complaints of pain and not feeling well.

A 15-year-old boy was also struck last month in New York City's Central Park. According to WABC-TV, he was at a picnic in the park when a severe thunderstorm began. “I leaned up against a tree, and I told them, ‘Oh, guys, let’s ride out the storm,’ which in hindsight might not have been the best idea,” Khalifa told WABC-TV.

According to the Maryland Department of Emergency Management, lightning causes at least 80 deaths each year nationwide. Others who are injured commonly survive with long-term, debilitating symptoms including memory loss, sleep disorders and muscle spasms.

While the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the chances of being hit are less than one in a million, there are things you can do to help mitigate the risk:

Lightning Safety

According to the National Weather Service, the best way to protect yourself from lightning is to avoid the threat. "You simply don’t want to be caught outside in a storm. Have a lightning safety plan, and cancel or postpone activities early if thunderstorms are expected. … Substantial buildings and hard-topped vehicles are safe options. Rain shelters, small sheds, and open vehicles are not safe," the NWS said.

Here are some other tips from Maryland emergency officials:

• Avoid contact with corded phones and devices, including those plugged in for recharging. Cordless and wireless phones not connected to wall outlets are okay to use.
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords. Unplug appliances and other electrical items such as computers and turn off air conditioners. Power surges from lightning can cause serious damage.
• Avoid contact with plumbing. Do not wash your hands, do not take a shower, do not wash dishes and do not do laundry. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
• Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.
• Take shelter in a sturdy building. Avoid isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.

Activities That Increase The Risk Of Being Struck

According to the CDC, lightning strikes most often connect with those outside participating in recreational activities or working. Almost two-thirds of all lightning deaths from 2006 through 2021 involved someone who was fishing, boating, playing sports or relaxing at the beach. Farmers and ranchers have been identified as one of the highest-risk groups for being struck, with 18 percent of all deaths coming from work-related activities.

The National Weather Service offers more Lightning Safety Tips And Resources.

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