Have you heard the expression, when thunder roars, go indoors? Likely so, and that is because NO PLACE outside is safe when thunderstorms are in the area! If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you, and you should immediately move to a safe shelter.
What is considered shelter? A shelter is a substantial building with electricity or plumbing or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicle with windows up. You should stay in a safe shelter for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder.
If you are already inside, follow these tips:
- Stay off corded phones, computers, and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.
- Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths, and faucets.- Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches.
- Do not lie on concrete floors, and do not lean against concrete walls.
If you are caught outside with no safe shelter anywhere nearby, the following actions may reduce your risk:
- Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges, or peaks
- Never lie flat on the ground
- Never shelter under an isolated tree
- Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter
- Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water
- Stay away from objects that conduct electricity (barbed wire fences, power lines, windmills, etc.)
If you have other tips, share them below in the comments, and kindly repost this message to your neighbors on Nextdoor by clicking the "Share" button/arrow below and then "Repost in newsfeed."
