Lightning Safety

Lightning is a large electrical spark caused by electrons moving from one place to another. Electrons cannot be seen but when lightning flashes they are moving so fast that the air around them glows. The actual streak of lightning is the path the electrons follow when they move.

It is important to stress that no lightning safety guidelines are 100% safe. If lightning threatens, seek immediate shelter.

30-30 Rule
You should use the '30-30 Rule' to determine if lightning threatens:

• Count the seconds between seeing the lightning, and hearing the thunder.
• If this time is 30 seconds or less, the lightning is close enough to be a threat. Seek shelter immediately.

Lightning easily strikes many miles from the edge of the thunderstorm.

The 30-30 Rule is also important after the lightning:

• After the last lightning flash, wait 30 minutes before leaving your shelter.

• Over half of lightning deaths occur after the thunderstorm has passed, don't be in a hurry to go back outside.

Lightning may be hidden by clouds, if you can hear thunder, lightning is likely to be a threat.

Safe shelter
No shelter is 100% safe, but the following two are best:

• Large enclosed substantially constructed building e.g. a typical house

• If you are inside your home, there are a number of activities you should avoid. If lightning strikes your home, it takes the easiest route to earth, such as wires, cables and water pipes. Using a telephone, watching television and using a pc can all increase your risk of being affected by a strike to your home.

• Fully enclosed metallic vehicles offer some protection e.g. typical car or bus

• Close windows. Avoid conducting path to outside - lean away from doors; don't touch steering wheel, ignition, gear shift, etc.

Unsafe locations
No place outside is completely safe from lightning (not even cars).

Especially avoid; high places, open fields, isolated tree/poles/towers, open pavilions, swimming (indoor pools), boating etc.

If you are trapped
If you are outside and lightning is imminent, you can still take precautions:

If in a group spread apart at least 20 feet.

• put your feet together
• squat down
• tuck your head into your knees

Finally, no matter how exciting the storms never go outside to enjoy the spectacle.