Storm Readiness

Lightning Strike

Lightning Safety

LIGHTNING STORMS - WHEN THUNDER ROARS, GO INDOORS!

  • If you can hear thunder, you can get hit by lightning! Take shelter immediately. If you cannot find a sturdy, fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing, get into a metal-roofed vehicle and remain sheltered until 30 minutes after the last thunder.

  • To plan for a safe day, check the weather forecast first. If thunderstorms are forecast, avoid being outdoors at that time or make an alternate plan. Identify safe places and determine how long it will take you to reach them.

  • Watch the skies for developing thunderstorms and listen for thunder. As soon as you hear thunder, quickly get to a safe location.

  • If you can hear thunder, you are in danger of being hit by lightning. More people are struck by lightning before a storm arrives or after it departs than during the storm itself.

  • Get to a safe place. A safe location is a fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing. Sheds, picnic shelters, tents or covered porches do NOT protect you from lightning. If no sturdy building is close by, get into a metal-roofed vehicle and close all windows.

  • Do not handle electrical equipment, telephones or plumbing during a thunder storm. These are all electrical conductors. Using a computer or wired video game system, taking a bath or touching a metal window frame all put you at risk of being struck by lightning. Use battery operated appliances only.

  • Remember, there is no place outside that is safe during a thunderstorm. You should make every effort possible to find shelter in a well-constructed building or metal-topped vehicle.