Lightning Safety - Tips to Protect You and Your Family During a Thunderstorm

Summer thunderstorm season is upon us again and with those thunderstorms comes lightning. Lightning is a beautiful natural occurrence that is a pleasure to watch but is also very dangerous. Lightning deaths are pretty rare but they do occur every year. Many people do not realize how dangerous lightning is and it is very easy to keep yourself and your family safe. It is also important to teach your children to pay attention to the weather and how they can visually see when a storm is coming. Use these tips during the thunderstorm season in your area.

1. Water danger

Most people know this basic rule of thumb. Water is a very big attraction for lighting strikes. You should get out of any bodies of water and also leave the area. You can still be injured by standing near a body of water that gets struck by lighting. It is also important to realize that you should exit water at the first sound of thunder because where there is thunder, there is lightning nearby.

2. High ground

You should avoid being on hills or other high areas because you are more likely to get struck by lightning if you are closer to the sky. If you are outside during a storm, the safest place that you can be is at the lowest point of the ground.

3. Tall Items and Structures

Avoid standing under trees, shelter houses, and canopies. These are targets for lightning strikes and are very dangerous. The only type of structure that is safe is a completely enclosed structure or a vehicle that has the windows rolled up.

4. Inside

If you are inside, you should stay away from all electrical appliances inside the home. Do not bathe during a thunderstorm as well. To keep electrical appliances safe, you should unplug all of them.

5. Other

Do not stand in groups of people if you are outside. You should stand a minimum of 15ft away from each person. A human body is largely made up of water and a large group is much like a large puddle of water to lighting. Cover your ears to avoid hearing damage and make yourself as small as possible by crouching down.