When there's lightning, it's best to stay indoors. But if you're caught in a storm while you're outside, here's what you can do to stay safe:Â
Helpful tips for staying safe during lightning storms
During the summer, it’s fun to enjoy the great outdoors. But during monsoon season, its best to keep an eye out for flooding, and also lightning .
There have been 14 lighting deaths since 2008 in ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥ and kills an average of 47 people each year in the United States, according to the National Weather Service.
Knowing what to do if you're caught in a thunderstorm can be the difference between life and death. Here are some tips from the National Weather Service to help keep you safe this monsoon season.Â
By Ahmaad Lomax/Special to the ÃÛèÖÖ±²¥Â
When Outdoors...
If you hear a roar, go indoors
If you are able to hear thunder then lighting is close enough to strike you so move inside a building or hard top vehicle as soon as possible after you hear thunder.Â
Get down!
Immediately leave elevated spaces — avoid mountains, hills, telephone poles as these are the most likely places to be struck by lightning.
Find shelter
Avoid bleachers, large trees, convertible cars, small sheds and open areas.
Once you’ve found safety, listen for thunder and remain put for at least 30 minutes after the last crackle of thunder.
Stay away from water and metal objects
Neither water or metal draw lightning strikes, but they do conduct electricity. So, it’s safer to avoid both if a strike happens to occur
When Indoors...
If you find yourself indoors enjoying the rain (and thunder), here's how you can stay safe...
Stay away from anything that conducts electricity
Avoid anything connected to an electrical outlet, corded phones and desktop computers as you want to limit your contact with electricity during a storm.
Avoid plumbing
Avoid washing your hands, as well as showering or taking a bath as a lightning strike can travel throughout a building through the plumbing.
Find a safe spot away from walls, windows and doors
Electricity from a lightning strike can travel through metal bars and wires found in concrete walls or flooring.
Lightning has also been noted on rare occasions to come through cracks in windows and doors.