LIGHTNING HAZARDS
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Although lightning is seemingly random, there are some things you can do to minimize your risks if you are caught in the open during a thunderstorm.
IF OUTDOORS: (Return to Top)
- Avoid water, high places such as lifeguard towers, cliffs, dunes and open spaces.
- Avoid all metal objects, including electric wires, fences, machinery, motors, power tools, flag poles etc. These objects may retain water and more easily conduct an electric current.
- Avoid contact with two separate objects. Your body may serve as a conduit if the objects are struck by lightning.
- Unsafe places include underneath canopies, small picnic or rain-shelters, or near trees. Where possible, find shelter in a substantial building or in a fully enclosed metal vehicle, such as a car, truck or van.
- At high altitudes, seeking shelter among depressions in rocks, or shallow caves will not offer much protection from lightning on a mountaintop.
- Avoid proximity (minimum of 15 feet) to other people. This will allow the current to go to ground more easily, making it less likely for multiple people to be injured.
- Avoid being the tallest object. Seek ditches, trenches or the low ground.
- Get as low as you can, but don't lie prone to the ground. Instead, kneel with your hands on the ground and your head low.
- Taking shelter under an isolated tree is hazardous. Seek clumps of shrubs or trees of uniform height.
- Avoid being near fences, light poles and power lines that lead into areas where lightning is occurring. An electrical charge can travel along the wires and jump to you or cause an injury if you touch live wires or an energized fence.
- You do not have to be directly hit by lightning to be affected. Lighting can travel along the ground from a nearby strike to you. It can also jump from nearby objects that are struck.
Swimming pools:
- Swimming pools, indoor and outdoors, are connected to a much larger surface area with underground pipes, gas lines, electric and telephone wiring. Lightning strikes to the ground anywhere on this metallic network may include shocks elsewhere.
- At first sign of lightning or thunder, swimming pools and beaches should be evacuated. Seek shelter inside the main building, or in a fully enclosed vehicle with windows rolled up.
- Pools and beaches should remain closed for 30 minutes after the last observed lightning or audible thunder.
- Get out and off of the water if there are signs of lightning.
IF INDOORS: (Return to Top)
- Large, enclosed buildings tend to be safer than small gazebos or open eating areas.
- Stay away from doors and windows.
- Do not use the telephone.
- Turn off, unplug, and stay away from appliances, computers, power tools, and TV sets.
- Avoid use of showers or other contact with water. Because water may travel through and on pipes and tubing, lightning may strike exterior electric and phone lines, inducing shocks to inside equipment.
- Fully enclosed metal vehicles such as cars, trucks and vans with windows rolled up provide good shelter.
The safety information enclosed was compiled from the best sources available to us. The Illinois Fire Safety Alliance and authors cannot assume any liability for its effectiveness in every emergency situation.
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