Re: [Paddlewise] Thunderstorm

----- Original Message -----
From: "Jackie Fenton" <jackie_at_intelenet.net>
To: <paddlewise_at_paddlewise.net>
Sent: Thursday, March 29, 2001 1:44 PM
Subject: Re: [Paddlewise] Thunderstorm


> Florida, where lightning kills more people than any other meteorological
> phenomena ( http://www.srh.noaa.gov/mlb/ltgcenter/ltgsafety.html ), has
> the highest number of lightning-strike injuries and fatalaties in the US.
> At that same NOAA URL:
>
>   "A recent study which analyzed lightning strike victims in Florida found
>    most were young males.  The most common activities people were involved
>    in when struck were related to employment, and then recreaton.  It was
>    also found that most of the people were struck either prior to the
storm
>    (rain) reaching their location, or after the storm (rain) had ended.
>    Most of the people struck were either near water or near/under trees.
>
Unfortunately, during the hot summer months, I find myself in those
conditions more frequently than I would like. Given the frequency of summer
thunderstorms in my area and the manner in which they suddenly appear, I'm
surprised I haven't been struck. Not to long ago an individual was struck
and killed while standing on a dock where I frequently launch during
conditions typical of many of my Kayaking trips. Obviously, the key, among
other precautions, is to avoid being outside, especially on a body of water,
during one of these storms, if at all possible; that is: avoid afternoon
kayaking trips when conditions are rip for a storm and carry a weather radio
for severe thunderstorm warnings--just don't hold it to your ear as the
storm approaches.

Thunderstorms and kayaking don't mix!

Craig

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