How to Stay Safe in a Lightning Storm

If you have ever been close to ground zero of a lightning strike, you will NEVER forget it. As a child, I saw lightning strike a tree harboring six cows and two calves ... none survived. Lightning is unpredictable and deadly, and should always be taken seriously. Whenever possible, always stay inside a building or an automobile during a storm.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. If you find yourself trapped outside and far from a structure, stay away from tall trees and objects. Find the lowest point available and hunker down until the storm passes. Also stay away from all metal structures, fences, etc. An underpass or bridge can be a good place to weather the storm, as long as there are no utility poles nearby.

2. 

   You are relatively safe inside your house, however I had to rewire a house once that was struck by lightning. The baseboard and crown molding was blown to splinters by the strike, it was an awesome sight. Stay away from windows and doors, lightning can come through a window, and standing in an open doorway is asking for it.

3. Turn off and unplug all electric appliances and electronic media, even with surge protection this is a good idea. And by all means STAY OFF THE TELEPHONE! You may as well be holding a ground rod with a tattoo on your forehead that reads "strike here."

4. On two separate occasions I have been within ten yards of a strike, and noticed a peculiar occurrence. Seconds before the strike, the hair on my arms stood up! This was not my imagination, and I had no idea the strike was imminent. I haven't researched this phenomenon, but it happened both times. It doesn't have to be raining or storming for lightning to strike either, if you suspect there is activity in the air, then seek shelter.

Tips & Warnings

• You don't need to be frightened of lightning, just respectful. And although it is rare for people to get direct hits, it does happen. So, be cautious whenever there is lightning in the area, and you should be just fine.

[lighthouse1958]

on 8/3/2009 Everyone needs to be real careful during storms. I have seen people outside during electrical storms, this I would not do. 5* and rec.

[kated2009]

on 7/5/2009 Excellent and helpful information. Thank you!

[crosswised]

on 7/5/2009 Great article and sounds like you've had some close calls! Rated 5 and Recommended you.
Crosswised

[karileighk]

on 6/24/2009 Freaky!*5

[cclofmead]

on 6/18/2009 Great information for staying safe in a lightning storm!! 5*