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Pro Lightning Safety During Severe Weather

June 17, 2026 · The Clime Team
Pro Lightning Safety During Severe Weather

Lightning poses a significant threat during severe weather, with approximately 100,000 thunderstorms occurring annually across the United States. These storms result in an average of 20 fatalities each year and can cause serious injuries, including permanent neurological damage. (kiplinger.com)

Understanding Lightning Risks

Lightning is a sudden electrostatic discharge within a thunderstorm, accompanied by a bright flash and thunder. It can strike without warning, even if the sky appears clear. The National Weather Service advises that no place outside is safe during a thunderstorm. (weather.gov)

Indoor Safety Measures

When indoors during a thunderstorm, follow these 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. (cdc.gov)

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

  • Avoid Electrical Appliances: Do not use anything connected to an electrical outlet, such as computers, laptops, game systems, washers, dryers, or stoves. (cdc.gov)

  • Stay Off Corded Phones: Corded phones are not safe to use during a thunderstorm. (cdc.gov)

Outdoor Safety Measures

If you are caught outside during a thunderstorm, take the following actions:

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

  • Avoid Open Spaces and Tall Objects: Stay away from open spaces such as golf courses, parks, playgrounds, ponds, lakes, swimming pools, and beaches. Avoid open vehicles such as convertibles, motorcycles, and golf carts. (cdc.gov)

  • Do Not Shelter Under Trees: Being underneath trees is the second leading cause for lightning deaths. (cdc.gov)

  • Crouch Down if No Shelter is Available: If you are caught in an open area with no safe shelter nearby, crouch down in a ball-like position with your head tucked and hands over your ears so that you are down low with minimal contact with the ground. (cdc.gov)

Lightning Safety for Outdoor Events

If you are attending an organized sporting event at an outdoor stadium during a thunderstorm, you can minimize your risk of being struck by lightning by taking precautions:

  • Listen for Instructions: Remain calm and listen for instructions from stadium personnel. (cdc.gov)

  • Move to Designated Shelters: Move to the designated safe shelters, away from metal poles and the open field. (cdc.gov)

  • Wait for the All-Clear Signal: Wait for an all-clear signal, which should occur approximately 30 minutes after you hear the last clap of thunder. (cdc.gov)

Protecting Your Property

Lightning can cause significant damage to your home and property. To reduce the risk:

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

  • Review Insurance Coverage: Homeowners insurance typically covers lightning damage, including fires and damage to electronics. However, policy limits and exclusions vary, so reviewing your coverage is crucial. (kiplinger.com)

Conclusion

By understanding the risks associated with lightning and implementing these safety measures, you can significantly reduce the danger posed by severe weather. Always prioritize safety and stay informed about weather conditions in your area.

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