

In fact, about one-third of lightning-strike injuries occur indoors. Stay away from tall structures, such as telephone poles and trees lightning tends to strike the tallest object around.īeing indoors does not automatically protect you from lightning.Stay away from open spaces such as golf courses, parks, playgrounds, ponds, lakes, swimming pools, and beaches.These structures won’t protect you from lightning. Avoid open structures such as porches, gazebos, baseball dugouts, and sports arenas.Avoid open vehicles such as convertibles, motorcycles, and golf carts.

#Thunder and lightning windows#
Safe shelters include homes, offices, shopping centers, and hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up.


Florida is considered the “lightning capital” of the country, with more than 2,000 lightning injuries over the past 50 years. In 2021, Florida had the most lightning deaths. Regional and seasonal differences can also affect your risk of being injured by lightning. Lightning most often strikes people who work outside or engage in outdoor recreational activities. Risks of Lightning StrikesĪlthough the odds of being struck by lightning each year are less than 1 in a million, some factors can put you at greater risk. Why? Because being outside when lightning is present is not something to take lightly-ever. What do you do? Keep playing until the thunder and lightning get closer? Go sit on the metal bench under the trees to see what happens? Or get in your car and drive home?Ĭorrect answer: If no substantial, non-concrete shelter is nearby, get in your car and wait out the storm. You spend a few minutes warming up and then-wait! Is that thunder you hear? Was that a lightning flash? So, you and your tennis partner grab your racquets and balls and head for the tennis court. The weather forecast calls for a slight chance of thunderstorms, but you can only see a few fluffy white clouds overhead. Being outside when lightning is present is not something to take lightly-ever.
#Thunder and lightning how to#
Learn how to protect yourself and your loved ones during a thunderstorm.
