Great Scott! What does it take to generate 1.21 gigawatts?

Great Scott! What does it take to generate 1.21 gigawatts?

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If you're a "Back to the Future" fan, you will remember a younger Dr. Emmett Brown going berserk as he realizes just how much power his older counterpart plans to generate from a lightning strike.

Regardless of whether you say "jigawatt" or gigawatt – it's equal to one billion watts or 1000 megawatts. Given that one of the highest consumers of household power, an electric oven, only uses 12,200 watts – a gigawatt is mighty powerful. And while lightning strikes vary in strength, Dr. Brown was right: they can produce 1.21 gigawatts of power.

Photo credit: Shutterstock
Photo credit: Shutterstock

That's a sobering fact when you consider that lightning is Utah's second deadliest natural hazard and has been for the last 15 years according to Utah.gov. And, most lightning strikes occur during May through August.

We still have warm weather ahead of us, so here are some safety tips to use while enjoying the great outdoors:

Thunder and lightning are a package deal

Don't be fooled into thinking there is no danger if thunder is booming but you don't see any lightning. Per the National Severe Storms Laboratory, thunder is the direct result of lightning.

"If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck," says Deanna Wolfe, registered nurse and trauma services director at Ogden Regional Medical Center. "Lightning precedes the thunder, whether the current weather is rainy or dry."

According to the U.S. Forest Service, you should immediately find a safe shelter from the storm when you hear thunder. Stay there until at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.

Photo credit: Shutterstock
Photo credit: Shutterstock

Don't be a human lightning rod

It's best to avoid being outside when lightning is flashing, but it is easy to get caught by a fast moving storm. If you're unable to find shelter, WildernessUtah.com says, "Your best bet is to find a depression or other low-point where you can crouch in 'lightning position'… with your feet planted squarely on the ground, with your head lower than your shoulders. If you have a sleeping pad or other insulator to place under your feet, it can help protect you from ground current."

The National Weather Service offers these additional tips: when outdoors, never lie flat on the ground and don't seek shelter under an isolated tree, by a metal fence or near water or wet items. If you are with a group and there is no shelter nearby, have everyone spread out (30-50 feet apart)! This tactic will reduce the risk of lightning striking more than one person.

If you can, get inside a car but not a convertible. Lightning-generated electricity will travel through its metal frame and into the ground so don't lean on the doors!

When indoors, the NWS also cautions against using appliances or equipment (i.e. corded phones, hair dryers, computers, etc.) that puts you in direct contact with electricity. Here's one danger that many people may not know about – metal doors and window frames as well as plumbing such as sinks, baths and faucets can conduct lightning.

Photo credit: KSL
Photo credit: KSL

When lightning strikes

You really can save a life by being prepared and taking action. That's why Wolfe offers the following suggestions -- good to know if you're nearby when someone gets hit by lightning or a resulting ground current.

  • Call 911 immediately.
  • Take steps to avoid getting struck while trying to help others.
  • Drag injured people to safety (a substantial building if possible).
  • After a lightning strike, it is completely safe to touch someone who has been struck. So go ahead and provide first aid treatment.
  • If the victim is not breathing and you cannot find a pulse, do chest compressions to the beat of the song "Staying Alive," (approximately 100 compressions per minute). This will help the patient for about 10 minutes. If help does not arrive after 10 minutes, two breaths followed by 30 compressions repeatedly is the best treatment you can offer.
Death from a lightning strike usually occurs because of cardiac arrest. This is why fast and effective CPR is so important – don't be afraid to take action quickly! Start treating other symptoms before help arrives too. If the injured person is sweaty or confused, elevating their legs helps to raise their blood pressure. Keep burns as dry and clean as possible.

It's a great idea to include outdoor activities in your healthy lifestyle and Utah offers many ways to do so. But stay safe during lightning storms and save the 1.21 gigawatts for time travel…!

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