Lightning safety revisited after death of DNR Ranger near Fond du Lac County

Article written by NOAA

Lightning is one of the most underrated weather hazards. It makes every single thunderstorm a potential killer, whether the storm produces one single bolt or one thousand bolts.

Each year in the United States, lightning kills 20-30 people on average and injures 100s more. Tornadoes, hail, and wind gusts get the most attention, but only lightning can strike outside the storm itself. It is the first thunderstorm hazard to arrive and the last to leave.

Because lightning is one of the most capricious and unpredictable characteristics of a thunderstorm, no one can guarantee an individual or group absolute protection from it. However, knowing and following proven lightning safety guidelines can greatly reduce the risk of injury or death. Remember, you are ultimately responsible for your personal safety and should take appropriate action when threatened by lightning.

The safest location during a thunderstorm is inside a large enclosed structure with plumbing and electrical wiring. These include shopping centers, schools, office buildings, and private residences.

If lightning strikes the building, the plumbing and wiring will conduct the electricity more efficiently than a human body. If no buildings are available, then an enclosed metal vehicle such as an automobile, van, or school bus makes a decent alternative.

Not all types of buildings or vehicles are safe during thunderstorms. Buildings which are not safe (even if they are “grounded”) have exposed openings. These include beach shacks, metal sheds, picnic shelters/pavilions, carports, and baseball dugouts. Porches are dangerous as well.

Convertible vehicles offer no safety from lightning, even if the top is “up”. Other vehicles which are not safe during lightning storms are those which have open cabs, such as golf carts, tractors, and construction equipment.

Once inside a sturdy building, stay away from electrical appliances and plumbing fixtures. As an added safety measure, stay in an interior room.

If you are inside a vehicle, roll the windows up and avoid contact with any conducting paths leading to the outside of the vehicle (e.g. radios, CB’s, ignition, etc.).

Lightning can travel great distances through power lines, especially in rural areas. Do not use electrical appliances, especially corded telephones, unless it is an emergency (cell phones are safe to use, as are laptops that are not plugged in).

Additionally, do not take a shower or bath as both water and metal pipes are good conductors of electricity.

Studies have shown that most people struck by lightning are struck not at the height of a thunderstorm but before and after the storm has peaked. Most people are unaware of how far lightning can strike from its parent thunderstorm. Lightning can strike more than 10 miles away from the location of rainfall.

Therefore, if you can hear thunder, that is your warning that you are within striking distance. Seek safe shelter immediately. Remember these lightning safety rules: When thunder roars, go indoors and stay there until 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder. For those who are hearing impaired, remember See a Flash, Dash Inside. Don’t wait for the rain to start before seeking shelter, and do not leave the shelter just because the rain has ended.

With common sense, you can greatly increase your safety and the safety of those around you. At the first clap of thunder, go to a large building or fully enclosed vehicle and wait 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before you go back outside. 

Learn more at the National Weather Service Lightning Safety website.