Lightning can occur with very little warning and may strike more than 15 miles from the nearest storm. Ensure your continued safety by following these steps. 

If lightning threatens when you are inside:

  • Stay inside and away from open doors or windows, radiators, metal pipes, sinks, and plug-in electrical objects such as computers, appliances, lamps, etc.
  • Do not use plug-in electrical equipment or a corded telephone.
  • Lightning can still pose a danger to you while inside if electricity conducting objects are not avoided. 

If lightning threatens when you are outside:

  • Seek shelter in an enclosed building. If no buildings are available seek shelter in a low lying area like a ditch or ravine. Do not shelter near or in water. 
  • When there is no shelter, avoid the highest object in the area and avoid being the highest object yourself. If only isolated trees are nearby, the best course of action is to start moving toward a safer area, avoiding hazards such as tall trees and bodies of water along the way.
  • Do not lie flat on the ground as this will increase the chance of being shocked by residual ground current from nearby strikes. There is no position that will decrease your likelihood of being struck so moving away from open fields and isolated trees and towards a safer area with shelter is your best chance. 
  • If you feel an electrical charge (hair stands on end, skin tingles), lightning might be about to strike you. Drop to a crouching position with your hands covering your your ears, your weight on the balls of your feet (to minimize contact with the ground) and your heels touching. If in the correct position, a circuit will be created through which the charge can travel up one foot and down the other rather than entering the rest of your body. This position should only be used in the case of imminent lightning strike and should not be performed as a replacement for finding shelter. No position can eliminate the damage done by a lightning strike. 

Additional Information: 

  • Persons struck by lightning receive a severe electrical shock and may be burned, but they retain no electrical charge and can be handled safely. A person struck by lightning can often be revived by prompt application of CPR. 
  • Most lightning casualties occur because people do not seek shelter soon enough. No outdoor activity is worth death or life-long injuries. Seek proper shelter immediately if you hear thunder.
  • Most cars are safe from lightning, but its the metal roof and metal sides that protect you, NOT the rubber tires. Convertibles, motorcycles, bicycles, open-shelled outdoor recreational vehicles (like Jeeps) and cars with fiberglass shells offer no protection from lightning.
  • Wearing and carrying metal objects will not increase your likelihood of being struck. Height, pointy shape and isolation are the predominant factors controlling lightning strikes.