Lightning Safety Guide

When thunder roars, go indoors — lightning risk outdoors, in vehicles, and first aid for strike victims.

Compiled from official emergency-management guidance (FEMA/Ready.gov, IFRC, WHO, national agencies) · Reviewed by the WND Editorial Team · Last reviewed:

Key action: When thunder roars, go indoors — a substantial building or a hard-topped vehicle — and stay there 30 minutes after the last thunder. No outdoor location is safe during a thunderstorm.

Before the event

  • Check forecasts before outdoor activities; plan reachable shelter for every stage.
  • The 30–30 rule: if thunder follows lightning within 30 seconds, the storm is within ~10 km — seek shelter, and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder.
  • Organizers of sports/outdoor events need a written lightning action plan.
  • Unplug sensitive electronics before storms; consider surge protection.

During the event

  • Get inside a substantial building (with wiring/plumbing) or a metal-roofed vehicle.
  • Indoors: avoid corded phones, plumbing (showers/dishes), and wired electronics; stay off porches and away from windows.
  • No shelter available (last resort only): avoid open ground, ridgelines, isolated trees, metal fences and water; move to lower terrain and crouch — but keep moving toward real shelter.
  • Groups in the open: spread out 15+ m apart to prevent multiple casualties.
  • Swimming/boating: get to land and shelter at the first thunder.

After the event

  • Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming outdoor activity.
  • Strike victims carry NO electrical charge — help immediately.
  • Call emergency services; start CPR if not breathing — many lightning victims survive with prompt resuscitation.
  • Treat burns and check for other injuries; all strike victims need medical evaluation even if they seem fine.

Emergency kit checklist

  • Weather app/radio for storm alerts
  • First-aid kit and CPR knowledge
  • Surge protectors for home electronics

Evacuation guidance

  • Lightning safety is sheltering, not evacuation — the action is getting inside quickly.

What NOT to do

  • Do NOT shelter under isolated trees — a leading cause of lightning deaths.
  • Do NOT lie flat on open ground (increases ground-current exposure).
  • Do NOT stay in open vehicles, tents, gazebos, or small open shelters.
  • Do NOT shower, wash dishes or use corded devices during a storm.
  • Do NOT resume play/work because rain stopped — lightning strikes far from rain ("bolts from the blue").

Children, older people and people with disabilities

  • Children's sports: coaches must stop play at first thunder — most youth casualties occur when adults delay.

Pet safety

  • Bring pets indoors; doghouses are not lightning-safe.
  • Thunder-phobic animals: prepare a calm interior refuge.

Frequently asked questions

Can lightning strike the same place twice?

Yes, frequently — tall structures are struck many times a year. The Empire State Building is hit around 20–25 times annually.

Is it safe to touch someone struck by lightning?

Yes — victims retain no charge. Call emergency services and begin CPR immediately if they are not breathing; rapid resuscitation saves many lightning victims.

Disclaimer: general guidance compiled from official emergency-management recommendations (FEMA/Ready.gov, IFRC, WHO and national agencies). It does not replace instructions from your local authorities. In an emergency, call your local emergency number.