Lightning Safety

There is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are in the area. If you hear thunder, you are likely within striking distance of the storm. Just remember, “ When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors! ” or "See a Flash, Dash Inside!" Too many people wait far too long to get to a safe place when thunderstorms approach. Unfortunately, these delayed actions lead to many of the lightning deaths and injuries in the U.S.

The best way for you to protect yourself from lightning is to avoid the threat. You simply don’t want to be caught outside in a storm. Have a lightning safety plan, and cancel or postpone activities early if thunderstorms are expected. Monitor weather conditions and get to a safe place before the weather becomes threatening. Substantial buildings and hard-topped vehicles are safe options. Rain shelters, small sheds, and open vehicles are not safe.

When inside, do not touch anything that is plugged into an electrical outlet, plumbing, and corded phones. Cell phones and cordless phones are safe. Also, keep away from outside doors and windows and do not lie on a garage floor.

Lightning Facts

20 people died as a result of being struck by lightning in 2019.

Most people are struck during the afternoon and evening hours during the summer due to being caught outside during "pop-up" thunderstorms.

There are several myths and facts about lightning. See some of the most well-known myths as well as the scientific facts behind them about lightning below from the National Weather Serivce's Lightning Safety Website.

Fact vs. Fiction

Myth:  Lightning never strikes the same place twice.
Fact:  Lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially if it’s a tall, pointy, isolated object. The Empire State Building is hit nearly 100 times a year.

Myth:  If it’s not raining or there aren’t clouds overhead, you’re safe from lightning.
Fact:  Lightning often strikes more than three miles from the center of the thunderstorm, far outside the rain or thunderstorm cloud. “Bolts from the blue” can strike 10-15 miles from the thunderstorm.

Myth:  Rubber tires on a car protect you from lightning by insulating you from the ground.
Fact:  Most cars are safe from lightning, but it is the metal roof and metal sides that protect you, NOT the rubber tires. Remember, convertibles, motorcycles, bicycles, open-shelled outdoor recreational vehicles and cars with fiberglass shells offer no protection from lightning. When lightning strikes a vehicle, it goes through the metal frame into the ground. Don't lean on doors during a thunderstorm.

Myth:  A lightning victim is electrified. If you touch them, you’ll be electrocuted.
Fact:  The human body does not store electricity. It is perfectly safe to touch a lightning victim to give them first aid. This is the most chilling of lightning Myths. Imagine if someone died because people were afraid to give CPR!

Myth:  If outside in a thunderstorm, you should seek shelter under a tree to stay dry.
Fact:  Being underneath a tree is the second leading cause of lightning casualties. Better to get wet than fried!

Myth:  If you are in a house, you are 100% safe from lightning.
Fact:  A house is a safe place to be during a thunderstorm as long as you avoid anything that conducts electricity. This means staying off corded phones, electrical appliances, wires, TV cables, computers, plumbing, metal doors and windows. Windows are hazardous for two reasons: wind generated during a thunderstorm can blow objects into the window, breaking it and causing glass to shatter and second, in older homes, in rare instances, lightning can come in cracks in the sides of windows.

Myth:  If thunderstorms threaten while you are outside playing a game, it is okay to finish it before seeking shelter.
Fact:  Many lightning casualties occur because people do not seek shelter soon enough. No game is worth death or life-long injuries. Seek proper shelter immediately if you hear thunder. Adults are responsible for the safety of children.