In the United States, lightning kills 51 people a year and injures hundreds more. Take additional precautions when a storm occurs to avoid an electric shock. The steps that need to be followed outdoors, indoors, or while driving are different, but they are important to note. While you can't completely prevent lightning strikes, you can still reduce their chances.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Keeping Yourself Safe Outdoors
Step 1. Stay away from open fields or hilltops
Lightning usually strikes the tallest object in an area, so avoid open areas or hilltops. Look for places with low elevations such as valleys or ravines, especially those protected from rain. Curl up with your feet touching the ground and your head between your knees. This posture makes you a lower “target”.
Do not lie down and reduce contact with the ground. Lightning strikes can hit areas up to tens of meters from the initial target point
Step 2. Don't swim or do water sports on a rainy day
Check the weather forecast in the morning and don't go to the pool, river, lake, or beach on a rainy day. If you are in the water during a storm or rain, return to land immediately. If you're on a boat and can't get back to land, lower anchor and crouch as low as you can.
- Do not return to the water until 30 minutes after the last lightning strike. If you return too soon, there is a chance that the lightning will strike again.
- Swimming indoors also has the same risks. Avoid large areas of water during storms.
Step 3. Do not stand near trees or tall objects that are separated from other objects
Tall objects have a high risk of electric shock. Wherever you are, don't be the highest “object” around you. Also, don't stand under trees during a storm, and stay away from tall objects like lamp posts.
- If you are in the forest, take cover near a lower tree.
- An umbrella can increase your risk of being struck by lightning if it is the tallest object in your vicinity.
Step 4. Avoid metal objects, such as fences and visible pipes
Metal conducts electricity so there is a chance that you will be struck by lightning. If you are carrying a large metal object, remove it. Meanwhile, small metal objects such as earrings and electronic devices do not pose a big risk and are safe to handle.
- If you are riding a bicycle, keep the bicycle and curl up on the ground. Most bicycles are made of metal which can be a good conductor of lightning.
- Rubber boots or other rubber objects will not actually protect you from the conducting elements of metal objects.
Method 2 of 3: Protecting Yourself Indoors
Step 1. Install the lightning rod on the roof
Lightning rods won't "invite" lightning, but provide some sort of protection line when lightning strikes a house. This can prevent damage to the house due to electric current. However, don't try to install a lightning rod yourself; contact a certified electrician to install a lightning protection system in the home.
Step 2. Do not shower or use the sink as much as possible when lightning is heard
During a thunderstorm, lightning can pass through water pipes if it strikes a house. Don't shower until the storm is over. If you need to use the sink, make sure you use it for emergencies only.
- Even a closed shower or tub with no windows nearby still poses a risk of being struck by lightning through the connected water pipe.
- Avoid areas of open water or humid areas during storms, such as basements or patios.
- Since porcelain is a good insulator, you can use the toilet safely as long as you don't touch metal objects.
Step 3. Turn off and stay away from wired electronic devices
It is very dangerous to use electronic devices that are plugged into a wall outlet during a storm. Do not use the television, washing machine, or landline in stormy weather. Wireless electronic devices such as cell phones are safe to use, unless they are connected to a charger.
Disconnect electronic devices from electrical outlets during a thunderstorm as a precaution in case lightning strikes the house and causes a short-circuit
Step 4. Close the window
Do not stand next to an open window or door during a storm. Although rare, lightning can enter through windows during a thunderstorm. Glass is a good insulator so there is a chance that the window will not be struck while closed.
Do not touch doorknobs during a storm, as metal can conduct electricity
Method 3 of 3: Protecting Yourself in the Car
Step 1. Get in the vehicle to save yourself
Between the open areas outdoors and in the car, your vehicle is always the best choice. When caught in a storm, stay in the car until the storm is over. Close the windows and put the roof back on if you are driving a convertible.
- Open-air vehicles such as golf carts, ATVs, and lawn mowers are not safe types of vehicles. It would be better if you took cover indoors.
- Convertibles have lower safety than other types of cars. If possible, do not drive this type of car in the rain.
- Starting a car engine during a storm is generally considered a safe move, but under no circumstances should drive or drive until the storm is over.
Step 2. Place your hands on your lap
Most cars are safe from lightning strikes, but metal exteriors or other metal objects are not safe to touch. If lightning strikes your car, the current will flow from the outer metal frame to the ground. Place your hands on your lap and don't lean on the car door or touch any visible metal objects.
Rubber tires cannot protect you from lightning strikes
Step 3. Do not touch the radio or GPS system
Some current can pass through the wired parts of the car. Do not touch the vehicle's electrical systems during a storm, including radios, GPS systems, or cell phone chargers.
Sometimes, a lightning strike can damage a car's electrical system. Do not drive during a storm if you have an expensive radio or GPS system installed in the car
Step 4. Pull over during a heavy rainstorm
If you are driving in an area where there is a power outage, pull over and turn on the red light. Areas experiencing power outages are dangerous to walk through, especially if the traffic lights are turned off too. If you must keep driving, make sure you always stop first when you come to an intersection and be extra careful.
Tips
- If you are a sports team leader or camp counselor, cancel outdoor activities immediately during a storm.
- People who are near water have a higher risk of being struck by lightning during a storm. Therefore, do not swim on a rainy day.
- Victims of electric shock do not “contain” electric current or shock and are safe to assist.
- Check the weather ahead of time when you plan your outdoor activities.
Warning
- You can hear the sound of lightning if you are near the strike point.
- If the hairs on your neck stand on end or you feel tingly during a thunderstorm, go inside immediately. This indicates that the lightning strike is very close to where you are.
- Cell phones are safe to use during a rainstorm, but landlines are not.
- Most of the deaths from lightning strikes occur in the summer when outdoor activities are very popular and the frequency of thunderstorms is at its peak.
- Lightning can and often does strike an area twice. You are not necessarily safe just because lightning has struck your area before.
