Safety Policies Help Reduce Lightning Deaths In Florida

Weather officials say stricter safety policies have reduced the number of fatal lightning strikes in Florida.

In a Sun Sentinel report, officials said lightning killed 16 people in the United States last year, including five deaths in Florida.

Florida typically leads the country with the most lightning fatalities each year. Weather service lightning safety specialist John Jensenius said Florida has the most lightning per square mile of any state in the U.S.

Jensenius said Florida also has many people working outside and participating in outdoor recreational activities.

Officials said improved medical care and greater awareness of lightning dangers have reduced the number of fatalities. Many Florida school districts have installed lightning detectors and implemented policies that require students to seek shelter if thunderstorm warnings are issued.

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