Lightning Safety Basics: Protecting Yourself During Thunderstorms

Lightning is a powerful and unpredictable force of nature, responsible for numerous injuries and fatalities each year in the United States. Understanding lightning safety is crucial to protect yourself and others during thunderstorms.

Understanding Lightning and Thunderstorms

Thunderstorms develop when warm, moist air rises and cools, forming cumulonimbus clouds. Within these clouds, electrical charges separate, leading to lightning. Thunder is the sound produced by the rapid expansion of air heated by lightning. If you can hear thunder, you're within striking distance of the storm. (weather.gov)

When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors

The safest place during a thunderstorm is indoors. Seek shelter in a substantial building with a roof, walls, and floor, and avoid open structures like carports or sheds. If indoors, stay away from windows, doors, and electrical appliances. Avoid using corded phones and plumbing fixtures, as lightning can travel through these systems. (weather.gov)

Safe Shelters During a Thunderstorm

• Buildings: Enter a fully enclosed building with a roof, walls, and floor.
• Vehicles: If a building isn't available, a hard-topped vehicle with windows up provides safety.

Avoid seeking shelter under trees, as they can attract lightning. Open structures like pavilions or tents are also unsafe. (weather.gov)

Outdoor Safety Measures

If caught outside without shelter:

• Avoid Water: Get out of pools, lakes, and other bodies of water.
• Stay Away from Metal: Avoid metal objects like golf clubs, fishing rods, and bicycles.
• Find Low Ground: Move to a low-lying area, such as a ravine or valley, but avoid water.
• Crouch Low: If no shelter is available, crouch low to the ground, place your hands on your knees, and keep your head between them. This position minimizes your profile and reduces the risk of a lightning strike. (weather.gov)

Lightning Safety for Specific Activities

• Water Activities: If you're swimming or boating, exit the water immediately. Lightning can strike water, and the metal components of boats can conduct electricity.
• Sports and Recreation: If you're playing sports or engaging in outdoor activities, stop and seek shelter as soon as you hear thunder. Postpone activities until 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.

Lightning Safety at Work

For those working outdoors or in exposed areas:

• Cease Operations: Stop work and seek shelter immediately when a thunderstorm approaches.
• Avoid Equipment: Stay away from metal equipment, scaffolding, and utility lines.
• Stay Informed: Monitor weather forecasts and have a lightning safety plan in place. (weather.gov)

Myths and Facts About Lightning

• Myth: Rubber tires protect you from lightning in a car.
• Fact: Cars are safe during lightning due to their metal frame, which directs the electrical charge around the occupants.
• Myth: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.
• Fact: Lightning can strike the same location multiple times, especially if it's a tall or isolated object.
• Myth: Heat lightning occurs after very hot summer days and poses no hazard.
• Fact: Heat lightning is a term used to describe lightning from a thunderstorm too far away for the thunder to be heard. The lightning hazard increases as you move toward the storm and eventually the thunder will also be heard. (weather.gov)

First Aid for Lightning Strikes

If someone is struck by lightning:

• Call Emergency Services: Dial 911 immediately.
• Check for Breathing: If the person isn't breathing, begin CPR.
• Use an AED: If available, use an Automated External Defibrillator.
• Stay Safe: Lightning victims do not carry an electrical charge and are safe to touch. (weather.gov)

Conclusion

Lightning safety is essential to prevent injuries and fatalities during thunderstorms. By understanding the risks and following safety guidelines, you can protect yourself and others. Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors.

Highlights:

• When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!
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