More than 30,000 homes and businesses in the United States are hit by lightning every year, either directly or through power lines or communication lines.

Beyond extensive property damage, lightning bolts cause nearly 200 deaths (and injuries to several hundred others) in a typical year -- more than hurricanes and tornadoes combined, reports the Insurance Information Institute, an industry trade group. The majority of reported casualties each year take place in the Midwest, Northeast and South Central/Eastern states; with the highest incidence occurring in Florida and the lowest in Alaska.

Lightning strikes occur most frequently with spring and summer thunderstorms, which form when cool and warm weather air masses meet. A bolt is triggered by the release of a negative charge of energy from the storm. The beginning of a lightning bolt, called the stepped leader stroke, heads down toward the ground in search of a positive charge known as a ground steamer which rises to meet it. A flash of lightning results when the two charges connect.

A lightning protection system forces this electrical discharge on a specified path, harmlessly dissipating the current thereby eliminating the chance of fire or explosion within non-conductive parts of the structure such as those made of wood-brick and tile. The protection system neither attracts nor repels a lightning strike, but intercepts and safely guides the current to the ground.

An average lightning circuit carries 30 million volts and some spikes carry up to 100 million in striking contrast to the 110 or 220-volt power typically found in household wiring.

The Chicago area-based Lightning Protection Institute (LPI), a national not-for-profit organization promoting lightning safety, concedes many of the lightning-related deaths and injuries are needless and preventable, not only with ligntning warning systems, but also lightning protection systems.

Keeping aware of changing weather conditions and knowing how to react to a storm can save lives. It is no coincidence that casualties occur at the beginning and end of a storm when stray lightning bolts emerge from a cloudless sky...hence the saying,"from out-of-the blue."

LPI suggests the following basic guidelines upon the sighting of a thunderstorm:

• Seek shelter in a protected structure--one that is guarded by a lightning protection system which safely harnesses the energy of a strike.
• Avoid contact with electrical equipment and appliances and avoid standing near doors and windows if you find yourself in an unprotected home or building. Try to remain in a center room until the storm passes.
• Resist contact with bath tubs, sinks and faucets or other piping throughout the structure. During the storm, do not attempt to unplug appliances, television or computers. Also, stay off the phone.
• Keep away from metal objects, including bicycles, motorcycles and golf carts. If you are with other people, spread out. A lightning bolt is more likely to strike a group than an individual.

Educated consumer demands are continuing to be met by highly-skilled lightning protection professionals who are charged with designing, installing and certifying state-of-the-art lightning protection systems for homes and businesses.

To obtain a free booklet on lightning and lightning safety tips, or information on lightning protection systems, E-Mail: guardian@mich.com