Lightning Storm Safety

According to the National Weather Service Office, being out-of-doors is the most dangerous place to be during a lightning storm. It puts you and your loved ones at increased and unnecessary risk. When lightning is seen or thunder is heard, or when dark clouds are observed, quickly move indoors or into a hard-topped vehicle and remain there until well after the lightning storm ends. Listen to forecasts and warnings from your local National Weather Service Office through NOAA Weather Radio and other sources. If lightning storms are forecast, have in mind an alternate pan for the day’s activities or know where you can take cover quickly.

The lightning "season" in the United States corresponds closely with summer vacation. The peak month lightning casualties is July with the July 4th holiday period being the most deadly. Throughout the summer, a lot more people are exposed to the deadly effects of lightning in such locations as the beach, the golf course, the mountains, or on a ball field. During the summer lightning season, outdoor jobs such as those in construction and agriculture, and outdoor chores such as lawn mowing or house painting are at their peak, putting those involved in danger. This is highlighted by the fact that there are three times as many males struck by lightning.

Although anywhere outdoors involves risk during a lightning storm, certain locations are more vulnerable then others. These include: near the water, such when involved in boating, fishing or just lying on the beach; near trees, such as on the golf course or near picnic grounds; on high places such as house roofs during construction or working on antennae; in other open areas, such as a farmer’s field or hiking trail; near vehicles or planes such as police, airport baggage handlers and heavy equipment operators.

Particularly dangerous is where groups of people congregate. This includes outdoor sporting events such baseball, football, soccer and tennis. School children are particularly vulnerable when at recess, at physical education, at band, football and baseball practice, and walking to and from school.

Outdoor Lightning Safety Rules

1. Go quickly inside a completely enclosed building, not a carport, open garage, covered patio, or an open window.

2. If no enclosed building is convenient, get inside a hard-topped all-metal vehicle.

3. Do not take shelter under a tree.

4. If there is no shelter, avoid being the tallest object in the area. If only isolated trees are nearby, crouch on the balls of your feet in the open, keeping twice as far away from a tree as it is tall.

5. Avoid leaning against vehicles. Get off bicycles and motorcycles.

6. Get out of the water…off the beach and out of small boats or canoes. If caught in a boat crouch down in the center of the boat away from metal hardware. Avoid standing in puddles of water, even if wearing rubber boots.

7. Avoid open spaces; wire fences, metal clothes lines, exposed sheds and electrically conductive elevated objects.

8. Do not use metal objects like golf clubs, fishing rods, tennis rackets or tools.

9. Do not work on fences, telephone or power lines, pipelines, or steel fabrications.

10. Stop tractor work and heavy construction equipment, especially when pulling metal equipment, and dismount. Do not seek shelter under the equipment.

Injuries can still happen indoors, phone use is the leading cause of indoor lightning injuries in the United States. Lightning can travel long distances in both phone and electrical wires, particularly in rural area where other conductors are limited. In general, basements are a safe place to go during thunderstorms. However, there are some things to keep in mind. Avoid contact with washers and dryers since they not only have contacts with the plumbing and electrical systems, but also contain an electrical path to the outside through the dryer vent.

Remember becoming familiar with lightning safety rules can save your life or that of a loved one.