Weather Safety - Lightning

Outdoors

• Remember, if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. If possible, go to safe shelter immediately! Lightning can strike several miles from the parent thunderstorm.
• Get inside a building or an all-metal vehicle with the windows rolled up. Avoid leaning against vehicles. Get off bicycles and motorcycles.
• Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles.
• Get out of the water, off the beach and out of small boats. If caught in a boat, crouch down in the center of the boat, away from metal hardware.
• When there is no shelter, avoid the highest object in the area. Your best protection is to crouch in the open.
• Do not use metal objects like golf clubs, tennis rackets and tools.
• Do not work on fences, telephone or power lines, piplelines, steel fabrications, antennae, or on roof tops or other high places. Stop work on heavy tractors and heavy construction equipment. Do not seek shelter under the equipment.
• At construction sites, move to a location under a solid roof...avoid openings such as windows or doors.
• Don't take shelter under a carport or in an open garage.
• If you feel your skin tingle or your hair stand on end, lightning may be about to strike nearby. Squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible and minimize your contact with the ground (see graphic below).

Indoors

• Stay away from open doors and windows, metal pipes, sinks, and plug in electrical devices.
• Stay out of the shower or bathtub and stay off the toilet.
• Do not use a corded telephone or a computer.
• Unplug major appliances such as televisions.
• Turn off air conditioners- power surges from lightning can overload the compressors.

First Aid

• Persons struck by lighting carry no electrical charge. Any person struck by lightning needs PROMPT medical attention.