In the United States, 51 people are killed by lightning every year.It's a good idea to take extra precautions during storms.The steps you take outdoors, inside, or while driving are important.You can decrease the likelihood of being struck by lightning.
Step 1: Don't go to open fields or hilltops.
Avoid open fields and hilltops because lightning strikes the tallest object in the area.Look for a valley or ravine that is obscured by the rain.Stay here until the storm passes.If you touch your head between your knees, it will make you a smaller target.Don't lie down and minimize your contact with the ground.Up to one hundred feet away from the initial strike is where lightning can be fatal.
Step 2: Don't swim on rainy days.
Don't go to a swimming pool, river, lake, or beach on rainy days if you check the weather forecasts early in the day.Return to land if you find yourself in open water during a storm.Drop anchor and crouch as low as possible if you can't return to safety.Thirty minutes after the last lightning strike, return to the body of water.The storm may not be over before then.Swimming indoors is equally dangerous.During a storm, avoid large bodies of water.
Step 3: Stand away from trees or tall objects.
Bigger objects are more likely to be struck by lightning.Don't become the highest object in the world wherever you are.Don't stand under trees in a lightning storm and stay away from tall objects.Stay near a lower stand of trees if you are in a forest.If the tallest object in the area is a umbrella, you are more likely to get hit.
Step 4: You should avoid metal objects.
You are more likely to get hit if metal conducts electricity.Let the metal objects go if you are carrying them.Small metal objects, like piercings or electronic devices, are safe to hold.Drop the bike and crouch to the ground.Most bikes are made of metal.You won't be protected from metal's conducting properties by rubber shoes or other rubber objects.
Step 5: There is a lightning rod on your roof.
If lightning strikes your house, lightning rods provide a path of least resistance.The electric current can damage your home.An electrician is certified to install lightning systems.
Step 6: Don't bathe, shower, or use the sink as much as possible.
If lightning strikes your home, it can travel through water pipes.Don't shower or bathe until the storm is over.Don't use the sink in emergencies.Even showers or bathtubs that are completely enclosed without windows nearby are at risk for electrocution because of the water pipes.It's a good idea to avoid areas with standing water during storms.If you aren't touching metal, toilets are safe to use during lightning storms.
Step 7: Stay away from wired electronics when turning off.
During a lightning storm, using electronic devices that plug into the wall is dangerous.Don't use corded phones, washing machines, or TVs during storms.Cell phones are safe to use if they are plugged in.If lightning strikes the house, it's a good idea to unplug electronic objects.
Step 8: Don't open your windows.
Stand away from windows or doors during a storm.During storms, lightning can travel through windows.It is unlikely that the window will be struck if it is closed.During a storm, do not touch doorknobs.
Step 9: Run to your car.
Your car is always the safest option when you choose to drive outdoors or inside.If you are caught in a storm, stay inside your car.Put the top up when you close your windows.Open vehicles are not safe during lightning storms.Seek shelter indoors.Compared to other cars, convertibles are less safe.Don't drive them when it's raining.If you are starting your car in a storm, do not jump it until the storm is over.
Step 10: Put your hands in your lap.
Most cars are safe from lightning, but metal objects are not.If lightning strikes your car, the current will travel from the outer metal cage to the ground below.Don't touch exposed metal or leaning on the car doors, keep your hands in your lap.Your car won't be protected from being struck by rubber tires.
Step 11: Don't use the radio or the gps system.
The current can travel through the wired areas in your car.Don't touch the vehicle's electrical systems in the car, including your radio, gps, or cell phone.The electric systems in your car can be damaged by lightning strikes.If you own a radio or gps system, don't drive your car during storms.
Step 12: Pull to the side of the road in storms.
Pull over and turn on your hazard lights.If the traffic lights have shorted out, it's dangerous to drive in those areas.Treat shorted traffic signals as a four-way stop if you must continue traveling.