Worst Colorado Counties For Lightning Injuries, Deaths

Denver CO

25 June, 2021

5:25 PM

Description

People are injured and killed by lightning strikes in Colorado every year, and to mark Colorado Lightning Awareness Week, the National Weather Service has highlighted the counties in our state with the highest fatality and injury rates. Colorado has had 100 fatal lightning strikes and nearly 500 lightning related injuries since 1980, the agency said. Counties with the highest deaths and injuries since 1980: El Paso County: 10 fatalities, 84 injuriesLarimer County: 10 fatalities, 76 injuriesJefferson County: 9 fatalities, 38 injuries Rates in metro Denver and Boulder counties: Boulder County: 5 fatalities, 31 injuriesArapahoe County: 3 fatalities, 28 injuriesDenver: 3 fatalities, 25 injuriesAdams County: 4 fatalities, 14 injuriesDouglas County: 2 fatalities, 17 injuries Don't miss the latest news updates in Denver, Boulder, Arvada, Lakewood and Littleton. Sign up for free Patch news alerts and newsletters for what you need to know daily. "Unfortunately, there is no place outside that is safe from lightning," a National Weather Service infographic reads. "The only safe place to be when lightning is occurring is either inside a substantial building, or an enclosed automobile" If you can't make it inside, the agency released the following guidelines: Never lie flat on the groundNever shelter under an isolated treeNever use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelterImmediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of waterStay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.) If you are indoors: Avoid using or being close to corded electronics and electrical equipment (cordless equipment is safe to use, including remote controls and cell phones).Avoid contact with plumbing, such as taking a shower, bathing, hand-washing dishes or doing laundry.Stay away from windows, doors, garages and porches.Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls. >> Read more about lightning safety and statistics here.