Lightning strikes

The National Weather Services says that about 62 people a year are killed by a lightning strike in the USA. I know that some areas of the world have high tolls, such as Africa, because of violent storms in those areas.

I always had a healthy respect for weather effects such as lightning, since I was in an apartment that was struck, and so I got quite a shock, back in the 1974-5 time frame.

But I hadn't paid individual incidents much mind, except to feel sympathy for the victims, until I learned reading the "Left Behind" series that lightning is the weapon the "Antichrist" uses to strike down "believers." Hmm. The Antichrist must spend a lot of time hanging around children's camp grounds, lakes, sports fields and so forth then, I guess. Oh, it was only fiction? Who would have thought it, since it sure sounds so absolute about the "dogma!"

Anyway, here's a good Charlotte NC local article about all the strikes they've had and some tips to stay safe. Reminder to avoid showers and bath tubs, something people often forget.

http://www.wsoctv.com/news/16836380/detail.html

The reporters learned, not entirely to my surprise, that lightning rods help, but few people ask about them. I was glad they covered that in this article.

In another article is reminder that rumbling over the horizon means lightning is in striking distance, as it can travel 10 miles from where it actually is raining. I notice people are very blase around here, even when one can see the flashes in the distance. Hmm.

Hope everyone stays safe. I especially hate it when I see a young life lost.