When it comes to lightning safety, everyone knows the saying… “When thunder roars, go indoors.” But do you actually follow through and take action once you hear that initial rumble of thunder. As a meteorologist, I do! But I’m just shocked as to how many people ignore the signs of an approaching thunderstorm and wait until lightning is directly overhead.

Most lightning deaths occur during the summer, especially in July.

Predicting exactly where lightning will strike is impossible, which is why lightning is so dangerous. No place is 100% safe from lightning and about 30% of lightning injuries occur indoors according to the CDC. But you can lower your chances of being struck and becoming a statistic by following these guidelines.

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KNOW THE FACTS:

• If you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning.
• Lightning can strike more than 10 miles away from a thunderstorm and can strike outside of any rain (bolt from the blue).
• Many lightning deaths occur as a storm is approaching before the rain arrives or after the storm has supposedly ended.
• While the odds of getting struck in a given year are quite low, less than one in a million to be exact, working outdoors or participating in outdoor activities can increase your overall chances.

62% of lightning fatalities are when people are participating in leisure activities. Water activities lead the pack. Here’s the breakdown.

5 WAYS YOU CAN GET STRUCK OUTDOORS:

• Direct strike

• Side flash - when lightning strikes a taller object (tree) and a portion of the current jumps from the taller object to the victim.

• Ground current - when lightning travels outward across the ground (this includes concrete).

• Conduction - by touching anything connected to metal wires, metal fences or plumbing. Metal provides a path for lightning to follow (great conductor).

• Streamers: the victim is caught in one of the "streamers", which is an electrical discharge that doesn't connect with the main channel discharge.

HOW YOU CAN GET STRUCK INDOORS:

• Touching electrical equipment or anything plugged into an outlet.
• Using plumbing systems like washing your hands, dishes or taking a shower
• Touching metal doors or windows.
• Standing on or leaning against concrete.

THE DOS OF LIGHTNING SAFETY:

• Take shelter inside a sturdy building or inside a hard-topped vehicle (no convertibles).
• Bring pets inside.
• Remain inside for 30 minutes after you hear the last rumble of thunder.
• If someone is struck by lightning, call 911 immediately. Lightning victims are safe to touch and do not carry an electrical charge.

THE DON'TS OF LIGHTNING SAFETY:

• Do not shower or wash hands, dishes - avoid plumbing.
• Don’t touch electrical equipment or corded phones. You can use cell phones, TV remotes and laptops (anything that is NOT plugged into an outlet).
• Stay off balconies, lanais, porches and do not take shelter under picnic pavilions, tents, carports or baseball dugouts. Structures that have exposed openings are not safe as lightning can travel through the ground or concrete floors.
• Stay away from windows and doors leading to the outside as they may contain metal components.

WORST CASE SCENARIO:

You’re outside and don’t have access to a shelter or car nearby.

• Avoid open fields.
• If hiking and on the top of a hill or ridgetop, turn around and start running toward the ground (lower elevation).
• If in a forest, stay away from tall, isolated trees. Instead stand near a few small sized trees (ONLY if you can’t get to a building or a car).
• In a group, spread out to avoid the current traveling or affecting multiple people. This also increases the likelihood that someone can perform CPR if needed.
• Stay away from water and metal objects. Water and metal do not attract lightning, but both are excellent conductors of electricity.

Download The Weather Channel app so you have access to the interactive radar which shows you lightning in real-time. Make sure your notifications are turned on within the app so you can be notified when lightning is nearby. Weather forecasts can and do change, so please stay up-to-date with the latest forecast so you and your family can stay safe this summer.

MORE ON WEATHER.COM

https://weather.com/safety/thunderstorms/news/2025-04-15-indoor-lightning-dangers-safety

https://weather.com/safety/thunderstorms/video/dont-do-lightning-crouch-in-thunderstorm

https://weather.com/safety/thunderstorms/video/lightning-safety-indoors-electronics-conductors-water

Tiffany Savona is a digital meteorologist for weather.com. She has 15+ years of experience tracking storms as a broadcast meteorologist across the country.