Staying Safe in a Lightning Storm

We often use the phrase “getting hit by lightning” to describe something unlikely. But ‌the odds of lightning striking us are more likely than we might think. Over the course of a lifetime, our chances of getting hit by lightning can be as high as 1 in 1,800, much more likely than winning the lottery.

Electrical storms can be difficult to predict, but there are some ways you can stay safer if a lightning storm heads your way. 

The safest place to wait out the storm is inside a building, away from windows, plumbing, and plugged-in appliances. As a second choice, a car with a solid top offers a safer place to ride out the storm compared to outdoor locations.

Avoid tall objects outdoors. By now, many of us have seen videos online of people standing near trees during a lightning storm. The results can be deadly. Trees, flagpoles, signs, fences, and other tall objects can act like a lightning rod, attracting the lightning to that location. Avoid standing near tall objects.

Seek a lower spot if needed. Lightning typically strikes higher points, so if you’re unable to take shelter indoors, look for a lower area and crouch down to reduce your attractiveness to lightning. 

The time between the lightning strike and the sound of thunder indicates how far away the lightning is, but this can also be misleading. Lightning threats can extend up to 10 miles from a thunderstorm cloud, creating a massive area in which you might be at risk. Put safety first. At the first flash in the sky or clap of thunder, look for a safe place to shelter from the storm.

​To protect your home itself, you can consider having a lightning rod or whole-house surge suppressor installed. If lightning strikes are a common risk in your area, consult a professional installation company to discuss your protection options.