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Thunderstorms are common in hot weather, during the summer months. Lightning occurs about once every three seconds in Canada.
Lightning is up to a million times more powerful than household current, and it can be deadly. In Canada, lightning takes an average of six to seven lives every year and seriously injures up to 60 to 70 people. Lightning causes about half the forest fires in Western Canada, the number of lightning strikes in Eastern Canada is highest in Windsor, Ontario followed by Toronto and Hamilton. Lightning usually strikes protruding objects (trees, towers, buildings, etc.) and higher ground. Metal objects also are at a very high risk of getting struck by lightning.
When a person is struck by lightning, the injury could be made worse from personal electronic devices such as cell phones, beepers, iPods, and Walkman’s. Metal conducts the electricity which causes burns. Jewelry, coins and personal electronic devices have been known to cause burns.