Stay safe: What not to do during a lightning storm

Seek shelter under a tree

Seek shelter under a tree, Stay on the patio to watch, Remain close together in a group, Have a shower, Use a wired telephone, Stay in uncovered areas, Stand by a window, Operate electrical devices, Disconnect your devices, Go swimming, Lie on the floor, Forget where you keep your flashlight, Hesitate to help someone who was hit, Finish the game, Ignore when your hair stands up, Be taken by surprise, Forget to report fallen power lines

Seeking shelter during a storm is a sensible decision, but standing beneath a tree is ill-advised. Trees, being the tallest objects in the vicinity, are susceptible to lightning strikes. As humans conduct electricity more efficiently than trees, the electrical charge may transfer to you. Consequently, it is best to avoid seeking refuge under trees.

Stay on the patio to watch

Seek shelter under a tree, Stay on the patio to watch, Remain close together in a group, Have a shower, Use a wired telephone, Stay in uncovered areas, Stand by a window, Operate electrical devices, Disconnect your devices, Go swimming, Lie on the floor, Forget where you keep your flashlight, Hesitate to help someone who was hit, Finish the game, Ignore when your hair stands up, Be taken by surprise, Forget to report fallen power lines

The National Weather Service advises individuals to avoid balconies, porches, and open garages, dugouts, or sheds for their safety.

Remain close together in a group

Seek shelter under a tree, Stay on the patio to watch, Remain close together in a group, Have a shower, Use a wired telephone, Stay in uncovered areas, Stand by a window, Operate electrical devices, Disconnect your devices, Go swimming, Lie on the floor, Forget where you keep your flashlight, Hesitate to help someone who was hit, Finish the game, Ignore when your hair stands up, Be taken by surprise, Forget to report fallen power lines

According to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention), staying together during a storm is risky due to ground currents and side flashes between people. Therefore, separating from the group can actually reduce the number of individuals exposed to potential harm.

Have a shower

Seek shelter under a tree, Stay on the patio to watch, Remain close together in a group, Have a shower, Use a wired telephone, Stay in uncovered areas, Stand by a window, Operate electrical devices, Disconnect your devices, Go swimming, Lie on the floor, Forget where you keep your flashlight, Hesitate to help someone who was hit, Finish the game, Ignore when your hair stands up, Be taken by surprise, Forget to report fallen power lines

Lightning can pass through water pipes during a storm and pose an electrical danger when you are showering.

Use a wired telephone

Seek shelter under a tree, Stay on the patio to watch, Remain close together in a group, Have a shower, Use a wired telephone, Stay in uncovered areas, Stand by a window, Operate electrical devices, Disconnect your devices, Go swimming, Lie on the floor, Forget where you keep your flashlight, Hesitate to help someone who was hit, Finish the game, Ignore when your hair stands up, Be taken by surprise, Forget to report fallen power lines

The CDC advises against using corded landline phones during thunderstorms due to the risk of electric current passing through and causing harm. Cordless and mobile phones, however, are considered safe alternatives.

Stay in uncovered areas

Seek shelter under a tree, Stay on the patio to watch, Remain close together in a group, Have a shower, Use a wired telephone, Stay in uncovered areas, Stand by a window, Operate electrical devices, Disconnect your devices, Go swimming, Lie on the floor, Forget where you keep your flashlight, Hesitate to help someone who was hit, Finish the game, Ignore when your hair stands up, Be taken by surprise, Forget to report fallen power lines

Standing under a tree offers no protection, and standing exposed should also be avoided. Although dancing in the rain may be enjoyable, remaining outside during a storm can be hazardous and potentially life-threatening.

Stand by a window

Seek shelter under a tree, Stay on the patio to watch, Remain close together in a group, Have a shower, Use a wired telephone, Stay in uncovered areas, Stand by a window, Operate electrical devices, Disconnect your devices, Go swimming, Lie on the floor, Forget where you keep your flashlight, Hesitate to help someone who was hit, Finish the game, Ignore when your hair stands up, Be taken by surprise, Forget to report fallen power lines

Even though thunderstorms are impressive to observe, it is crucial to remember that even staying indoors can be hazardous. Windows and doors may include metal components that can conduct electricity. Standing too close or touching them may put you at risk of electrocution.

Operate electrical devices

Seek shelter under a tree, Stay on the patio to watch, Remain close together in a group, Have a shower, Use a wired telephone, Stay in uncovered areas, Stand by a window, Operate electrical devices, Disconnect your devices, Go swimming, Lie on the floor, Forget where you keep your flashlight, Hesitate to help someone who was hit, Finish the game, Ignore when your hair stands up, Be taken by surprise, Forget to report fallen power lines

It's also recommended that you don't use your computer, TV, or other plugged-in electrical appliances, as lightning can travel through electrical systems and zap anything connected to an outlet.

Disconnect your devices

Seek shelter under a tree, Stay on the patio to watch, Remain close together in a group, Have a shower, Use a wired telephone, Stay in uncovered areas, Stand by a window, Operate electrical devices, Disconnect your devices, Go swimming, Lie on the floor, Forget where you keep your flashlight, Hesitate to help someone who was hit, Finish the game, Ignore when your hair stands up, Be taken by surprise, Forget to report fallen power lines

If the storm is already raging, unplugging devices increases your risk of electrocution. The safest way to contact someone during a storm is to use a smartphone, as long as it's not plugged in.

Go swimming

Seek shelter under a tree, Stay on the patio to watch, Remain close together in a group, Have a shower, Use a wired telephone, Stay in uncovered areas, Stand by a window, Operate electrical devices, Disconnect your devices, Go swimming, Lie on the floor, Forget where you keep your flashlight, Hesitate to help someone who was hit, Finish the game, Ignore when your hair stands up, Be taken by surprise, Forget to report fallen power lines

Water, just like metal, has the ability to conduct electricity. Therefore, if you find yourself in a pool, lake, or any water source during a thunderstorm, you are exposing yourself to a significant risk of experiencing an electric shock.

Lie on the floor

Seek shelter under a tree, Stay on the patio to watch, Remain close together in a group, Have a shower, Use a wired telephone, Stay in uncovered areas, Stand by a window, Operate electrical devices, Disconnect your devices, Go swimming, Lie on the floor, Forget where you keep your flashlight, Hesitate to help someone who was hit, Finish the game, Ignore when your hair stands up, Be taken by surprise, Forget to report fallen power lines

If there is no shelter nearby, it is advised to crouch down, minimizing contact with the ground, and protect yourself by placing your hands over your ears and lowering your head.

Forget where you keep your flashlight

Seek shelter under a tree, Stay on the patio to watch, Remain close together in a group, Have a shower, Use a wired telephone, Stay in uncovered areas, Stand by a window, Operate electrical devices, Disconnect your devices, Go swimming, Lie on the floor, Forget where you keep your flashlight, Hesitate to help someone who was hit, Finish the game, Ignore when your hair stands up, Be taken by surprise, Forget to report fallen power lines

Ensure you have a flashlight or battery-powered lantern readily available in case of a power outage. Don't be caught in the dark during a storm.

Hesitate to help someone who was hit

Seek shelter under a tree, Stay on the patio to watch, Remain close together in a group, Have a shower, Use a wired telephone, Stay in uncovered areas, Stand by a window, Operate electrical devices, Disconnect your devices, Go swimming, Lie on the floor, Forget where you keep your flashlight, Hesitate to help someone who was hit, Finish the game, Ignore when your hair stands up, Be taken by surprise, Forget to report fallen power lines

One myth that the NWS (National Weather Service) debunked is that a lightning victim can shock others. Human bodies can't store electricity, so if you come in contact with someone who was hit by lightning, you won’t be electrocuted. Make sure they're breathing, elevate their legs slightly, and call for help.

Finish the game

Seek shelter under a tree, Stay on the patio to watch, Remain close together in a group, Have a shower, Use a wired telephone, Stay in uncovered areas, Stand by a window, Operate electrical devices, Disconnect your devices, Go swimming, Lie on the floor, Forget where you keep your flashlight, Hesitate to help someone who was hit, Finish the game, Ignore when your hair stands up, Be taken by surprise, Forget to report fallen power lines

According to the CDC (Centers for Control Disease and Prevention) approximately 66% of storm-related fatalities are linked to outdoor recreational activities such as sports games. Observing lightning, hearing thunder, or perceiving a potential danger in the sky serve as indicators to temporarily halt the game and seek shelter.

Ignore when your hair stands up

Seek shelter under a tree, Stay on the patio to watch, Remain close together in a group, Have a shower, Use a wired telephone, Stay in uncovered areas, Stand by a window, Operate electrical devices, Disconnect your devices, Go swimming, Lie on the floor, Forget where you keep your flashlight, Hesitate to help someone who was hit, Finish the game, Ignore when your hair stands up, Be taken by surprise, Forget to report fallen power lines

The lower part of the storm carries a negative charge and seeks out positively charged objects to release its energy (via lightning). If your hair starts standing upright, it indicates your body's positive charge is in danger of attracting the negative charge. Take prompt action and get to a low position!

Be taken by surprise

Seek shelter under a tree, Stay on the patio to watch, Remain close together in a group, Have a shower, Use a wired telephone, Stay in uncovered areas, Stand by a window, Operate electrical devices, Disconnect your devices, Go swimming, Lie on the floor, Forget where you keep your flashlight, Hesitate to help someone who was hit, Finish the game, Ignore when your hair stands up, Be taken by surprise, Forget to report fallen power lines

Monitor weather forecasts to stay informed about approaching storms. This will allow you to disconnect your appliances and prepare a well-equipped shelter for potential emergencies.

Forget to report fallen power lines

Seek shelter under a tree, Stay on the patio to watch, Remain close together in a group, Have a shower, Use a wired telephone, Stay in uncovered areas, Stand by a window, Operate electrical devices, Disconnect your devices, Go swimming, Lie on the floor, Forget where you keep your flashlight, Hesitate to help someone who was hit, Finish the game, Ignore when your hair stands up, Be taken by surprise, Forget to report fallen power lines

These sources remain dangerous and carry the risk of causing a fire.

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