Airplanes and Ground Crews Are Not Lightning-Proofed

  • Published
  • By Senior Master Sgt. Gary Bristol
  • 507th Air Refueling Wing Safety Office
For the second time in three years one of our KC-135's has been struck by lightning. 

Back on the 4th of July in 2005 lightning stuck one of our airplanes as it sat parked on the 507th parking ramp. 

Early in the morning of 18 March a lightning warning was issued. Shortly after maintenance personnel cleared the Romeo ramp a bolt of lightning struck one of our KC-135's. The damage to the aircraft will probably exceed $100,000. 

Fortunately no one was hurt because we have safety procedures in place and a lightning plan to help ensure personnel are kept safe.  Others may not be quite so fortunate. 

According to the National Lighting Safety Institute the number of people in the United States who are struck by lightning each year in the United States ranges between 750 and 2000 and as many as 300 Americans are killed by lightning each year.  If your summer plans involve outdoor a activities, you would be wise to think through possible emergency actions to take should bad weather strike.

PERSONAL LIGHTNING SAFETY TIPS 

1. PLAN in advance your evacuation and safety measures. When you first see lightning or hear thunder, activate your emergency plan. Now is the time to go to a building or a vehicle. Lightning often precedes rain, so don't wait for the rain to begin before suspending activities. 

2. IF OUTDOORS. .Avoid water. Avoid the high ground. Avoid open spaces. Avoid all metal objects including electric wires, fences, machinery, motors, power tools, etc. Unsafe places include underneath canopies, small picnic or rain shelters, or near trees. Where possible, find shelter in a substantial building or in a fully enclosed metal vehicle such as a car, truck or a van with the windows completely shut. If lightning is striking nearby when you are outside, you should: A. Crouch down. Put feet together. Place hands over ears to minimize hearing damage from thunder. B. Avoid proximity (minimum of 15 ft.) to other people. 

3. IF INDOORS.  Avoid water. Stay away from doors and windows. Do not use the telephone. Take off head sets. Turn off, unplug, and stay away from appliances, computers, power tools, & TV sets. Lightning may strike exterior electric and phone lines, inducing shocks to inside equipment. 

4. SUSPEND ACTIVITIES for 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or thunder. 

5. INJURED PERSONS do not carry an electrical charge and can be handled safely. Apply First Aid procedures to a lightning victim and immediately call 911 or send for help immediately.