Lightning Strikes Can be Unexpected Source of Tragedy

6/29/2010

When it comes to considering the importance of protecting one's family with life insurance, one thing to consider is the chance that even the healthiest and most cautious people could end up meeting an untimely fate that leaves loved ones facing a questionable financial future.

For example, thousands of people die in crashes on the nation's highways each year, while countless others are struck down by a variety of sudden illnesses or other incidents.

Highlighting a far less common source of fatalities, the Insurance Information Institute recently reported that 34 people died from lightning strikes in 2009. The number was said to be an increase over the 27 recorded in 2008 but below the 10-year average of 41 fatalities.

The report added that Florida, North Carolina and Texas led the nation in lightning fatalities with between three and five in each state in 2009. More than half of these fatalities - 59 percent - were said to have occurred in outdoor open spaces.

Families with young children are generally advised to carry life insurance protection equal to five to seven years of a parent's annual salary - with more coverage if other long-term expenses such as college tuition are anticipated.

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