- The National Weather Service suggests teaching your children about the 30-30 rule. You may teach children who can count to begin counting when they see lightning. If the thunder clap arrives before they reach the number 30, the lightning is close enough to pose a danger. They must immediately go inside and remain there until after the storm has passed. Usually this means for at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.
- Warn your child to not use the telephone or any appliances during a lightning storm. There is a small chance that a lightning strike may affect your home's electrical system and its wiring. It is safest to be in an inner room, away from windows and doors. Additionally, teach your child to not be near the home's plumbing for the duration of the lightning storm.
- Show your children how to stay safe during a lightning storm if they are caught outdoors, away from home. The National Lightning Safety Institute notes that it is crucial to avoid water, such as a lake, a stream or even deep puddles. Additionally, your children must get down from high ground and away from open spaces. They should avoid metal objects, trees and other tall items and instead hunker down in a shallow indentation, crouching and making themselves as small as possible. Explain to your children that if they are stranded outside in a lightning storm, staying put until it is over is the safest option.
- It is a common misconception that rain shelters--such as those commonly found in parks and recreational areas--provide the same lightning safety as a home or other building would. This is untrue; instead, the only truly safe areas during lightning storms are building structures or vehicles with their windows closed. It is crucial to teach your children to differentiate urban legends from the reality of lightning safety.
- You may use a number of training materials to help children understand lightning and safety. NOAA's website features printable and online games for a number of different ages, from preschoolers to preteens. Additionally, the Federal Emergency Management Association offers an online book written in easy-to-understand language and designed to be read together by you and your children.
