How to Avoid Being Struck by Lightning

Lightning is a natural release of atmospheric energy.  It may discharge between clouds with different charges or it may look for the path of least resistance between the clouds and the earth.  Air is a poor conductor of lightning, but trees and buildings and other objects (like people) conduct the electricity well and help make the lightning's pathway easier.  It may strike one object or flow through several nearby objects to help its conductivity, so be aware of what is around you.  Lightning is a rather unpredictable phenomenon, and no precaution you take can guarantee you will be safe, but at least you increase your chances.

• If caught in a thunderstorm outside, avoid mountain peaks and ridges, tall cliffs, water-filled ravines, beaches and waterlines, boating, swimming, flat fields, parking lots, wide open areas with lone trees, or standing under trees.  And don't just find an overhang to shelter under thinking it will protect you; lightning can get there too.  Find a ditch to crouch in instead.
• Take off anything metal you may be wearing.  If you have any metal tools or equipment (including umbrellas!), leave them 50 feet away from your camp or location.
• Wet rope should also be kept at least 50 feet away.  Don't fly kites.
• Stay in a squatting position (not laying down) with your arms wrapped around your body to protect your brain and vital organs from being shocked.  Squat on rubber or plastic material (rubber-soled shoes, a poncho, or a sleeping mat work well).  At the very least, you should try to touch as little of the ground as possible.
• If in your car, stay in your car.  The rubber tires are a good buffer between you and the ground, and the metal shell of the car will conduct electricity better than you.  Avoid touching anything metal inside the car.
• If in your home, avoid electrical appliances, home phones, and water faucets, or anything with copper pipes or wiring.  Copper is an excellent conductor of electricity; that is the most likely path lightning will take if it strikes your home.  Don't shower or bathe during a lightning storm.

When is it safe to resume regular outdoor activities again?  The National Lightning Safety Institute suggests waiting 30 minutes after you see the last lightning strike or hear thunder.  If you hear thunder but don't see lightning, you may still be in strike range.