Lightning Strike Safety Tips
What Is a Lightning Strike?
Lightning is a powerful natural electrostatic discharge that occurs during thunderstorms.
A single bolt of lightning can reach temperatures of around 30,000 K (five times hotter
than the surface of the sun) and carry up to one billion volts of electricity. Lightning
strikes the Earth approximately 100 times per second and kills around 2,000 people
worldwide each year. It is one of the most underestimated weather hazards — most
lightning fatalities occur outdoors when people are caught in the open.
Warning Signs of Lightning Strike
- Hair standing on end may signal an imminent lightning strike. Seek shelter immediately.
- Skin tingling indicates dangerous electrical activity nearby.
- A metallic taste or ozone smell can precede a lightning strike.
- If you hear thunder, seek shelter immediately.
- Follow the 30-30 rule: Shelter within 30 seconds, wait 30 minutes after the last thunder.
Before a Thunderstorm (Prepare)
- Check weather forecasts before outdoor activities — postpone if thunderstorms are predicted.
- Install surge protectors and lightning rods on your home to protect electronics and structure.
- Trim trees near your home — falling branches during storms are a major hazard.
- Know the nearest sturdy building or hard-topped vehicle you can take shelter in quickly.
- Have a weather alert app or NOAA weather radio to monitor incoming storms.
During a Lightning Storm (Stay Safe)
- Go indoors immediately.
- Stay away from windows, doors, and porches.
- If caught outside, crouch low on the balls of your feet — minimize contact with the ground.
- A hard-topped vehicle with windows closed is a safe alternative to a building.
- Never shelter under a tree.
- Avoid water bodies,as they conduct electricity.
- Don't use corded phones or electrical appliances during the storm.
- Don't lie flat on the ground — this increases your exposure to ground current.
After a Lightning Strike (First Aid)
- Call emergency services immediately.
- It is safe to touch the victim—they do not carry an electrical charge.
- Start CPR if the victim is unresponsive and not breathing normally.
- Treat burns if present and keep the victim warm until help arrives.
- Watch for delayed symptoms and seek medical evaluation, even if the victim seems fine.