Thunderstorms and Lightning

➤ Get inside a home or large building when a storm approaches
➤ Stay indoors and don’t venture outside unless absolutely necessary
➤ Stay away from open doors, windows, fireplaces, radiators, stoves, metal pipes, sinks, and appliances
➤ Do not use electrical appliances
➤ Use telephone for emergencies only If you are outside with no time to reach a safe building or vehicle, follow these rules:
➤ Do not stand under a natural lightning rod, such as a tall, isolated tree in an open area
➤ In a forest seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees
➤ In open areas go to a low place, such as a ravine or valley. Be alert for flash floods
➤ Do not stand on a hilltop, in an open field, on the beach or in a boat on the water
➤ Avoid isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas
➤ Get out of the water and off small boats
➤ Get away from anything metal – tractors, farm equipment, motorcycles, golf carts, golf clubs, and bicycles
➤ Stay away from wire fences, clothes lines, metal pipes, rails, exposed sheds or anything that is high and could conduct electricity. Some of the items could carry electricity to you from some distance away
➤ When you feel an electrical charge – if your hair stands on end or your skin tingles – squat low to the ground on the balls of your feel. Place your hands over your ears and your head between your knees. Do not lie flat on the ground

It does not need to be raining for lightning to occur.
Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and may occur as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.