How to Protect Yourself From Lightning When Indoors

Most people think lightening is more dangerous when they’re outside but this simply isn’t true. Lightning has been known to cause very serious injuries to people inside. Finding shelter indoors is the best place to be during a lightning storm however, you are only safe indoors if you take the right safety precautions. In order to stay safe inside during a lightening storm read the following steps.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

1. Once you see a lightning flash, all you have to do is count the seconds it takes for the sound of thunder that comes afterward. If the thunder comes in less than 30 seconds after a lightning flash, this will tell you that the storm is close enough to be dangerous. Being indoors is the safest place to be during a lightning storm. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last roar of thunder before going outside again.

2. Do not use corded telephones during a lightning storm. The highest amount of indoor lightening injuries recorded in the United States have occurred when using a phone. Lightning has the ability to travel very far distances through power lines and electrical wires. Wait to make your phone calls once the storm has past.

3. Believe it or not, simply turning on the water faucet, washer or dryer, or even taking a shower can cause a lightning strike while inside. The lightning can come into contact with the plumbing and electrical systems of your house. Avoid anything that has a conducting charge outside such as metal pipes or even plastic pipes that have metal in them.

4. Stay away from concrete walls, doors, and windows that may have metal reinforcement bars.

5. Refrain from touching or plugging anything electronic into the walls during a lightning storm.

6. This step may be hard for many but avoid televisions and computers during a lightning storm. Use this opportunity to read a book or catch up on projects not involving electrical appliances.

Tips & Warnings

• If you can’t find shelter from lightning in a house or building, getting inside a car is another safe alternative.

[ilivetoteach]

on 8/4/2009 Here I sit on my computer with a lightening storm going on. The computer thing is really hard. Great advice!

[mooby18]

on 7/29/2009 Thanks for the great advice!