Lightning – Dos & Don’ts
Learn what to do, and what not to do, when it comes to lightning.
Visit: weather.gov/safety/lightning
During a thunderstorm, prioritize safety by seeking shelter indoors, away from windows, doors, and electrical appliances.
Avoid contact with water and plumbing, and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning before resuming outdoor activities.
DOs:
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Seek safe shelter: Immediately move to a substantial building with electricity and plumbing, or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle.
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Wait 30 minutes: Stay inside for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder or flash of lightning before resuming outdoor activities.
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If outside: Go to a low-lying area, like a ravine or valley, if no shelter is available.
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Use safe devices: Use cordless or cellular phones, but avoid corded phones.
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Unplug electronics: Unplug and turn off non-essential electrical equipment to prevent damage from power surges.
DON’Ts:
- Avoid water: Do not bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm.
- Stay away from windows and doors: Avoid leaning on or being near windows and doors.
- Don’t touch electrical equipment: Avoid using computers, game systems, or any electrical appliances connected to outlets.
- Don’t touch plumbing: Avoid contact with plumbing, including sinks, baths, and faucets.
- Don’t touch concrete: Stay away from concrete floors and walls, as lightning can travel through the metal reinforcement.
- Don’t be the tallest object: Avoid tall, isolated trees, towers, or utility poles.
- Don’t touch metal: Stay away from metal fences, power lines, and other metal objects that conduct electricity.
- Don’t go near open water: Get away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water.
- Don’t resume activities too soon: Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning before resuming outdoor activities.
- Don’t use open structures: Avoid open structures like porches, gazebos, and dugouts.
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