If you get caught in a thunderstorm, meteorologists recommend avoiding these six things
Nearly 500 people have died from lightning strikes in the U.S. since 2006 — don’t become the next victim.
Fatal lightning strikes are rare — they make up less than 0.001% of annual deaths in the U.S. But even so, since 2006 nearly 500 people have been killed by lightning, averaging about 27 deaths per year.
If a thunderstorm is heading your way, here are six things you should avoid to keep from becoming another statistic.
Six things to avoid during a thunderstorm
Avoid staying outside
Don’t stay outside. This may seem obvious, but there is a clear electrical reason to be indoors or inside a hard-topped car. Lightning seeks the quickest path to ground and readily travels through metal, including plumbing and a vehicle’s metal body.
Avoid handling items plugged into the wall
Once inside, do not create a path back to the outside. Anything plugged into an outlet can conduct a surge, especially appliances like vacuums, hair dryers, and computers, as well as corded telephones.
Also, it’s best to unplug your TV both from the electrical supply and the antenna.
Avoid using running water during the storm
The other thing to avoid doing once you are inside in a storm is avoid using running water, think taking a shower, a bath, doing the dishes or watering your plants. Lightning prefers metal to water, but it can move through water in the plumbing and get into the house that way.
Avoid seeking shelter under trees or unstable structures
Tall objects and flimsy shelters raise your risk. If lightning hits, the current can travel into the ground and through you if you are nearby. A strike can also splinter wood or collapse materials, sending branches or debris down.
Avoid being in, or near, water
Water can carry electrical current across the surface for long distances. A strike far from you can still pose a risk.
Avoid ignoring thunder
If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck. Lightning can hit up to 15 miles from the center of a storm, and “bolts from the blue” can strike where rain has not yet started. Stay in shelter for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder.
What should you do if you are trapped outside in a thunderstorm with no way to reach safety?
The only truly safe option is proper shelter. If that is impossible, do not lie flat on the ground, which increases exposure to dangerous surface currents. Move away from high points and use the lightning crouch: squat with your feet together, place your hands over your ears, tuck your head between your knees, and keep only the soles of your shoes on the ground. This is a last resort until you can reach shelter.
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