Ahead Of The Storm: Family Shares Warning Of The Dangers Of Lightning

Lightning can strike ten to twelve miles away from a thunderstorm and makes it one of the most dangerous elements to a storm.

Lightning is a deadly force of nature that strikes over 6 million times a year in Oklahoma.

And one family knows the danger first-hand.

“It wasn’t even raining; I heard no thunder. But it was coming,” Mark Shannon said.

The unpredictable bolt of electricity can cause long-term injuries or even death.

Mark Shannon’s teenage son, Sam, was playing outside with his friend Devin when lightning struck a nearby tree and seriously injured both boys in 2005.

“There was this huge boom,” Devin’s father said.

14-year-old Sam endured more than on dozen surgeries, but he passed away after more than 80 days in the hospital. His friend Devin survived, and he now lives a very different life.

“He was unconscious for a while in a coma. It was a medical-induced coma. He had to have a trach put in for breathing…and he had to have a feeding tube, which he still has to this day,” said Wendy Pruitt, who is Devin’s mother.

Devin relies on his mother and father to help care for him.

“He’s not mobile at all as far as him doing anything for himself. We have to do it all for him, “ Wendy said.

What happened to Sam and Devin can happen to anyone.

If you hear thunder, the most dangerous places to be are in open areas and near trees.

And lightning is especially dangerous for fishermen and boaters.

In 2016, two brothers were kayaking on the Arkansas River when lightning struck.

They survived and only had minor injuries.

Wendy shared a warning about the dangers of lightning.

“If you hear thunder, don’t think it is not coming for you—the lightning,” she stated.

If someone is struck by lightning, their body will not carry an electrical charge. Render first aid and call 911 immediately.

Seek shelter when you hear thunder and wait at least 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder before going back outside.

And be careful. Lightning can, and often does, strike the same place twice.