What You Need to Know about Lightning Safety

Lightning rods on a building that were installed by a certified installer is the safest place to be during a thunder storm. Lightning Rods protect lives and property.

There is no safe place outside during a thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you. If you are outside and you can hear thunder, you should immediately find shelter. The safest shelter can be located inside a substantial building or inside a fully enclosed metal vehicle. You should also wait 30 minutes from the last clap of thunder before returning outdoors.

If you cannot seek shelter indoors or inside a vehicle, you should seek lower elevations immediately. DO NOT use a tree for shelter, DO NOT use a rock overhang or cliff for shelter and DO NOT lay flat on the ground; crouch down on the tips of your toes and hug your knees. If you are swimming immediately get out and away from the water. Steer clear of objects that conduct electricity such as: metal fences, irrigation pipe, power lines, etc.

After you seek shelter indoors, close the windows and stay away from them. You should also avoid using the sink, shower and tub (lightning can travel through the plumbing). DO NOT use a corded phone, computer or other devices that are plugged in to the electricity. Remember to wait 30 minutes after the last clasp of thunder before returning outdoors. The safest place to be during a thunder storm is inside a building that has lightning rods that were installed by a certified installer.

REMEMBER that a person who was struck by lightning does not carry an electrical charge and will require medical attention immediately. If they have no pulse and are not breathing, you need to start CPR right away and call 911 for help. Learning CPR is also a valuable resource and an important lightning safety tool.

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