![]() ![]() In the event of a strike, these objects may become electrified. Don’t touch anything connected to power.Cordless and mobile phones are safe to use, however. Electrical current can travel through these lines and electrocute you. Just like lightning can strike ahead of a storm, it can strike behind it, too. Experts recommend you not only wait until the rain has stopped, but at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder to resume activities. If you cannot find shelter as we described above, head to the nearest low and unexposed location and avoid tall and isolated trees. Lightning strikes the highest ground more often, so you’ll want to find a low point to seek shelter. Like water, metal is also a conductor, and you’ll want to be as far away from sources of metal as possible, especially metal objects like flagpoles that are taller than their surroundings. ![]() Water conducts electrical current, so you’ll want to get out of lakes, rivers, streams, and pools at the first sign of an approaching storm. Even a car is a safe place to be as a last resort. Almost any kind of structure will do, as long as you’re able to close all windows and doors and does not contain exposed metal. As we’ve mentioned already, it’s imperative that you find shelter that will protect you from a direct strike. At first sound of thunder, head to a safe spot-lightning can strike miles ahead of the actual storm and any rain. A common mistake some make is to wait until the rain starts before heading inside. The tips below are meant to give you some guidance on when, where and for how long you should shelter until the storm passes. If you’re caught outside with lightning nearby, seek shelter immediately. What to Do in a Lightning Storm If You’re Caught Outside A handheld or portable lightning detector can also be used to spot lightning from significant distances to your location and give you advanced notice of a potential lightning hazard. Especially if your proposed activity spans across several days or if you’ll be away from a sturdy shelter (such as camping, boating, hiking, etc.). If the forecast is clear, and you do go ahead with your planned activity, it’s vital to obtain updated forecasts by carrying a NOAA weather radio or by periodically checking weather radar websites and apps. Thunderstorms are typically well predicted hours in advance, so you will be able to plan your activities around the weather and postpone them if necessary. Don’t make plans or head outside without first checking the forecast from official sources like. Plan Ahead and Check the Forecast Before Heading Outsideīenjamin Franklin once said, “an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” This is true in lightning safety, too. If you cannot get to a fully enclosed spot, limit your exposure to areas open to the outside as much as possible. Keep all windows and doors closed in the structure. No injuries, but it was a shock-pardon the pun). While not necessarily life-threatening, the static discharge is unsettling to experience (the author himself was zapped by the static discharge of a nearby bolt thanks to an open window. The static discharge can cause damage to electronic devices inside, and even affect things like pacemakers. In order to provide adequate protection, there cannot be any openings.Īny openings provide a path for the lightning bolt and its associated static discharge to make its way inside the structure. When lightning strikes, it hits the building first and is redirected around you to provide protection. This can be a building or enclosed area, even your car is better than being stuck outside in a lightning storm. ![]()
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