THUNDERSTORMS AND LIGHTNING

PROTECT YOURSELF:
* When a thunderstorm or lightning threatens, get inside a home or building, or inside your car
(except a convertible). Follow the 30/30 rule. Go indoors if you can’t count to 30 between
seeing lightening and hearing the thunderclap. Wait 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of
thunder to go outdoors.
* Stay away from open doors, windows, fireplaces, radiators, stoves, metal pipes, sinks and
appliances.
* Don’t use plug-in appliances—hair dryers, electric blankets or electric razors during the storm.
* Except for emergencies don’t use a corded telephone. Cordless phones and cell phones are
fine to use. If outside, with no time to reach safe cover: Don’t stand beneath a tall isolated tree
or other natural lightning rod. Avoid standing above the surrounding landscape. If no
buildings are available, get in a canyon, ditch (beware of possible flooding), cave, or under
head-high clumps of trees or shrubs. If only isolated trees are nearby, the best protection is to
crouch in the open.
* Get out of the water and off small boats.
* Get off and away from motorcycles, bicycles, scooters, golf carts, tractors, and etc.
* Don’t use metal objects like fishing rods or golf clubs.
* Stay away from wire fences and anything high that could conduct electricity.
* IF YOU FEEL AN ELECTRICAL CHARGE—IF YOUR HAIR STANDS ON END OR YOUR
SKIN TINGLES—LIGHTENING IS ABOUT TO STRIKE! IMMEDIATELY crouch low to the
ground on the balls of your feet, place your hands over your ears and your head between your
knees. DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND!

FIRST AID:
* Persons struck by lightning receive a severe electrical shock and may be burned, but carry no
electrical charge and pose NO electrical danger to those who may handle them.
* Prompt CPR can often revive a person who appears to have been” killed” by lightning.
* In a group struck by lightning, the apparently dead should be treated first; those who show
vital signs will probably recover spontaneously, although burns and other injuries may require
treatment.