Thunderstorms are awe-inspiring natural events, but they bring with them a considerable risk. With thunder, there’s always the potential for lightning strikes, which can be dangerous and even fatal. Lightning travels at incredible speeds and can strike up to 10 miles from a storm, so staying safe requires knowledge and quick actions. Here are essential safety precautions to take when thunder strikes, whether you’re indoors, outdoors, or in a vehicle.
1. Seek Shelter Immediately
If you hear thunder, it means lightning is near enough to pose a risk. A good rule of thumb is, “When thunder roars, go indoors.” Shelter in a safe, enclosed building with wiring and plumbing. Structures like tents, gazebos, or covered picnic areas don’t offer the same protection as buildings with walls, floors, and roofs.
If you’re unable to find a building, seek shelter in a hard-topped vehicle, which acts as a Faraday cage and directs lightning’s electric charge around you. However, avoid leaning on metal parts inside the car as they may conduct electricity.
2. Avoid Outdoor Open Spaces
Open fields, hilltops, and ridgelines are high-risk areas because lightning tends to strike the tallest object. If you’re in a field, crouch down low with as little of your body touching the ground as possible. Avoid lying flat, as this increases your body’s contact with the ground, making you more susceptible to ground currents if lightning strikes nearby.
Don’t shelter under tall, isolated trees. Trees act as natural lightning rods, and while they attract lightning, standing under one places you at high risk of injury. If you’re in a wooded area, find a low stand of bushes instead.
3. Stay Away from Water
Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, which makes lakes, rivers, and pools particularly dangerous during a thunderstorm. Get out of the water immediately and seek shelter far from the shore.
Even if you’re inside a building, avoid bathing, showering, or washing dishes when thunder strikes, as lightning can travel through plumbing. If you’re boating, head to shore as soon as you hear thunder.
4. Stay Away from Conductive Objects
Indoors, avoid using corded electronic devices. Lightning can travel through electrical wires, which can put you at risk of electric shock if you’re on a landline phone, computer, or any other plugged-in electronic device.
Additionally, stay away from windows, doors, and any metal surfaces. Metal can act as a conductor for lightning and poses an electric shock risk. While cordless phones and mobile phones that aren’t plugged in are generally safe, it’s a good idea to keep all electronic activity to a minimum.
5. Know the 30/30 Rule
One effective way to gauge your distance from a storm is by using the 30/30 rule: after you see lightning, start counting seconds. If you hear thunder within 30 seconds, it means the storm is close enough to be dangerous, and you should take shelter. The second part of the rule is to wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before going back outside, as lightning can strike even after a storm appears to have moved on.
6. Prepare in Advance for Storm Season
Especially during peak storm seasons, it’s wise to prepare an emergency kit with a flashlight, batteries, first aid supplies, a weather radio, and other essentials. Familiarize yourself with emergency plans if you’re at work or school and review these plans with family members at home.
Regularly check the weather forecast, and consider installing a weather app with notifications to stay aware of approaching storms, especially if you’re planning outdoor activities.
7. Stay Low and Avoid Group Clustering Outdoors
If you find yourself outside without access to shelter during a thunderstorm, adopt a low stance. Crouch down, placing your feet close together, and keep your head low while covering your ears to reduce the impact of loud thunder.
Avoid standing in groups, as lightning can travel through multiple people in close proximity. Spread out if you’re with others and avoid contact.
8. Be Cautious Around Trees and Structures
If you’re near trees or structures that could fall, be mindful of their condition. Lightning can weaken trees, causing branches or the entire tree to collapse. Avoid parking or sheltering near large trees during a storm for this reason.
Power lines and poles are other structures to avoid. If they’ve been hit, they may be damaged and unstable, posing both an electric and physical hazard.
9. Be Alert for Secondary Dangers
After a storm, watch out for fires caused by lightning strikes. Lightning can ignite dry foliage, trees, and even structures, so if you see smoke or smell burning, report it to the authorities.
Be cautious around downed power lines and avoid stepping in water near them, as water conducts electricity and can make these areas hazardous.
10. Know When to Seek Medical Help
If someone has been struck by lightning, call emergency services immediately. Lightning strike victims do not carry an electric charge, so it’s safe to touch them and administer first aid if necessary. Immediate medical attention can make a difference in saving their life and reducing long-term health complications.
Conclusion
Thunderstorms demand respect and caution. Taking these precautions can greatly reduce your risk of harm during a thunderstorm. Remember, thunder signals the presence of lightning nearby, so even if you don’t see flashes, you should still take cover. By knowing what to do and responding promptly, you can keep yourself and others safe when thunder strikes.
