Meteorological practitioners consistently abstain from specific actions during a thunderstorm, as follows:
Thunderstorms can be awe-inspiring, but they also pose a significant risk to public safety, particularly during the summer months. Here's a guide to help you stay safe from lightning and other storm-related hazards in the United States.
Firstly, seek immediate shelter indoors in a large enclosed building with plumbing and electrical wiring, such as a house, office, school, or shopping center. These structures help safely conduct electricity to the ground if lightning strikes [1]. Avoid open areas, tall objects, and metal structures like fences, poles, boats, golf clubs, or umbrellas, which can attract lightning [1][2][4]. Never shelter under trees, as they can attract lightning and conduct electricity to you [1][4].
If caught outdoors and unable to reach shelter, avoid water and metal objects, spread out from others, and assume the “lightning position”: crouch down on the balls of your feet, minimizing ground contact area without lying down; if you have a backpack, sit on it to reduce contact with the ground [2][3][4]. On boats, return to shore ASAP; if not possible, stay in a dry spot and avoid touching metal or electrical parts [1].
Do not use landline telephones during storms, as telephone lines can conduct electricity [2]. Observe the 30-30 rule for lightning safety: seek shelter if you see lightning and hear thunder within 30 seconds, and remain there until 30 minutes after the last thunder [5].
Plan activities to avoid thunderstorms, especially in mountainous areas, by being off summits and ridgelines by about 11 a.m., since afternoon storms are common [3]. It's also advisable to avoid handling corded electronics during a thunderstorm [6].
It's important to note that if you or someone you know gets struck by lightning, call 911 and provide first aid immediately, as 90% of people who are struck by lightning actually survive [7].
However, hiding out under a gazebo, covered porch, or pavilion is not safe during a thunderstorm. Being exposed on the outside of a structure, even if there is something over your head, increases the risk of a lightning strike during a nearby storm [8]. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning [9].
During a thunderstorm, it is not advisable to handle corded electronics, use running water, or use anything plugged into an electrical socket, as it can provide a shock [10][11]. Flood water can be contaminated with human and livestock waste, rodents, debris, and other contaminants that can lead to illnesses, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention [12].
Finally, it's a common misconception that touching someone who has been struck by lightning holds an electric charge. This is not the case, and it's important to provide first aid as quickly as possible [7]. Seeking shelter under trees or unstable structures during a thunderstorm is not safe and will not protect you from the storm [13].
By following these precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of injury from lightning strikes and other storm hazards during thunderstorms [1][2][3][4][5]. Stay safe and enjoy the summer!
References: [1] NOAA. (2021). Lightning Safety. Retrieved from https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning [2] National Weather Service. (2021). Thunderstorm Safety. Retrieved from https://www.weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm [3] National Park Service. (2021). Thunderstorm Safety. Retrieved from https://www.nps.gov/subjects/weather/thunderstorm-safety.htm [4] Red Cross. (2021). Lightning Safety. Retrieved from https://www.redcross.org/prepare/disaster/lightning-safety [5] National Weather Service. (2021). 30-30 Lightning Safety Rule. Retrieved from https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-3030 [6] National Weather Service. (2021). Corded Electronics. Retrieved from https://www.weather.gov/safety/corded-electronics [7] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Lightning Injuries: First Aid. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/first-aid/first-aid-lightning-injuries/basics/art-20056644 [8] National Weather Service. (2021). Lightning Myths. Retrieved from https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-myths [9] National Weather Service. (2021). If You Can Hear Thunder, You Are in Danger of Being Struck by Lightning. Retrieved from https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-safety-thunder [10] National Weather Service. (2021). Running Water. Retrieved from https://www.weather.gov/safety/running-water [11] National Weather Service. (2021). Electrical Sockets. Retrieved from https://www.weather.gov/safety/electrical-sockets [12] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021). Flood Safety. Retrieved from https://www.cdc.gov/disasters/floods/standingwater.html [13] National Weather Service. (2021). Trees. Retrieved from https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-trees
- To ensure safety during a health-and-wellness routine, it's crucial to avoid exercising outdoors during thunderstorms due to the risk of lightning strikes.
- For businesses relying on their outdoor facilities like golf courses or parks, it's advisable to provide guidance on fitness-and-exercise regulations and weather safety during thunderstorms, following the recommendations from weather authorities.
