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Lightning Safety Mistakes to Avoid During Hurricane Season

June 18, 2026 · The Clime Team
Lightning Safety Mistakes to Avoid During Hurricane Season

Hurricane season brings severe weather conditions, including thunderstorms and lightning. Understanding and avoiding common lightning safety mistakes is crucial to protect yourself and your loved ones.

1. What Are Common Lightning Safety Mistakes?

During thunderstorms, people often make several critical errors:

  • Seeking Shelter Under Trees: Standing under trees during a lightning storm is extremely dangerous. Lightning tends to strike the tallest object in an area, and trees are often the tallest. (weather.gov)

  • Using Electrical Appliances: Using corded phones, computers, or other electrical appliances during a storm can be hazardous. Lightning can travel through electrical systems, posing a risk of injury. (restoredcdc.org)

  • Ignoring the 30-Minute Rule: Many people resume outdoor activities too soon after a storm. It's important to wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before going back outside. (weather.gov)

2. How Can I Stay Safe Indoors During a Thunderstorm?

While indoors, take the following precautions:

  • Avoid Water: Do not bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm because lightning can travel through a building’s plumbing. (restoredcdc.org)

  • Stay Away from Windows and Doors: Keep away from windows and doors, and stay off porches. (restoredcdc.org)

  • Do Not Use Corded Phones: Corded phones are NOT safe to use during a thunderstorm. Do NOT use them. However, it is safe to use cordless or cellular phones during a storm. (restoredcdc.org)

3. What Are the Best Practices for Outdoor Lightning Safety?

If you're caught outside during a thunderstorm, follow these guidelines:

  • Seek Shelter Immediately: Find a safe, enclosed shelter when you hear thunder. Even if you see blue sky, you could still be in danger. (restoredcdc.org)

  • Avoid Open Spaces and Water: Stay away from open spaces such as golf courses, parks, playgrounds, ponds, lakes, swimming pools, and beaches. (restoredcdc.org)

  • Do Not Use Metal Objects: Don't carry any metal objects, such as golf clubs, fishing poles, umbrellas, or backpacks with metal frames. Metal doesn't attract electricity, but it is a good conductor. (restoredcdc.org)

4. How Can I Protect My Home from Lightning Damage?

To safeguard your home:

  • Install Surge Protectors: Equip your home with whole-house surge protectors to protect your appliances. (restoredcdc.org)

  • Unplug Electronics: Turn off and unplug appliances before a storm nears — never during. Don’t expect a surge protector to save appliances from a lightning strike; unplug it as well. (safeelectricity.org)

5. What Should I Do if Someone Is Struck by Lightning?

If someone is struck by lightning:

  • Call for Help: Call 911 immediately; get professional help on the way. (weather.gov)

  • Provide First Aid: Determine if the victim is unconscious. Call out their name or gently shake them. If there is no response, check to see if they are breathing. Gently roll the victim onto their back. (weather.gov)

By understanding and avoiding these common lightning safety mistakes, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury or damage during hurricane season.

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