How to Protect Yourself During A Lightning Storm

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By georgelarson
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Lightning storm

Lightning Storms are most likely to develop on spring or summer days but can occur year round. As the sun heats the air, pockets of warmer air start to rise and cumulus clouds form. Continued heating can cause these clouds to grow vertically into towering cumulus clouds, often the first sign of a developing lightning storm. Here are suggestions on how to protect yourself during a lightning storm.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Step 1

Lightning Storm

When You See An Approaching Lightning Storm

When to Seek Safe Shelter: Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles from the area where it is raining. That is about the distance you can hear thunder. If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of the lightning storm. Seek safe shelter immediately.
Step 2

Go inside during a lightning storm.

Lightning Storm and Outdoor Activities

Minimize the risk of being struck by lightening: Most lightning deaths and injuries occur in the summer. Where organized outdoor sports activities take place, coaches, camp counselors and other adults must stop activities at the first sign of a lightning storm to ensure everyone has time to get into a building or enclosed vehicle. Leaders of outdoors events should have a written lightning storm plan that all staff are aware of and enforce.
Step 3

Lightning storms are dangerous.

Helping a Lightning Strike Victim

If a person is struck by lightning call 911 and get medical care immediately. Cardiac arrest and irregularities, burns, and nerve damage are common in cases where people are struck by lightning. However, with proper treatment, including CPR if necessary, most victims survive a lightning strike. You are in no danger helping a lightning victim. The charge will not affect you.