Each year, about 300 people in the U.S. are struck by lightning, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. While roughly 90 percent survive their injuries, it’s still a good idea to steer clear of one of Mother Nature’s most powerful forces. The best way to protect yourself is to avoid being outside when the sky is flashing. During peak thunderstorm months especially (late spring through summer in much of the U.S.), always check the weather forecast before planning outdoor activities, and have a plan for unexpected storms.
Storm intensity appears to be increasing with climate change, even leading to more short but severe storms. Those lead to more lightning and greater risk of other potentially hazardous situations like flooding. In fact, more people in the U.S. die from floods each year than from lightning strikes, another danger of strong storms.
If you get caught outside in a violent storm, take the advice of the National Weather Service: “When thunder roars, go indoors!” But there’s more to staying safe during a thunderstorm than simply heading inside. After all, one-third of lightning-strike injuries occur indoors. To keep yourself and your family safe, take note of these things that you should never do during a thunderstorm.
I’ve been caught in a sudden storm before, and let me tell you, it’s no picnic. The key is preparation and knowing what to avoid. Beyond the basics, it’s worth noting that lightning strikes can carry up to a billion volts of electricity, which is why even indoor activities can be risky if you’re not careful. Checking weather apps like AccuWeather or the NOAA website before heading out has saved me from some hairy situations. If you’re planning a hike or a day at the park, keep a portable weather radio handy for real-time updates—it’s a small investment for peace of mind.
1. Take a Bath or Shower
Never take a bath or shower during a thunderstorm. If lightning strikes near you, electrical currents could travel through the pipes in your home, putting you at risk of electrocution.
This one’s a real shocker—pun intended. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles away from the storm’s center, and metal pipes are like highways for electricity. I remember my grandma always yelling at us to get out of the tub during a storm, and now I get why. The CDC notes that lightning-related injuries from plumbing are rare but serious, with burns and nerve damage being common outcomes. To stay safe, wait until the storm passes, or if you’re desperate to clean up, use a bucket of water instead of running the tap. It’s old-school but effective.
2. Sit on Concrete
Never sit down or lean on concrete during a thunderstorm. Concrete is almost always reinforced by metal rebar or wire mesh, and both are effective conductors of electricity.
Concrete might seem harmless, but those metal reinforcements make it a sneaky conductor. I’ve seen construction sites littered with rebar, and it’s a reminder that even a park bench on a concrete slab could be trouble. The National Lightning Safety Institute suggests avoiding any surfaces that might have hidden metal components during a storm. If you’re outside and need to rest, look for a wooden bench or, better yet, get to a car. It’s not just about avoiding a direct strike—ground currents can spread out and zap you unexpectedly.
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3. Use a Corded Phone
While it is safe to use a cell phone (if it’s not plugged into a wall charger, that is) during a thunderstorm, it is not safe to use a corded phone. Lightning can travel through the phone lines—and if it does, you could be electrocuted.
Corded phones are becoming rare, but some homes still have them, and they’re a risk not worth taking. I once knew someone who got a nasty shock just picking up a landline during a storm—luckily, they were okay. The Federal Communications Commission points out that lightning can follow copper wiring with ease, so stick to your cell phone, and make sure it’s not charging. If you need to make a call, text instead—it’s safer and keeps you off the line entirely.
4. Stand Out in the Open
You should never stand out in the open during a thunderstorm. Inside an enclosed building is the safest place to be. If you do get caught outdoors, head as quickly as you can to a hard-topped car or the closest building. If you have no other option, crouch down low, with as little of your body as possible touching the ground. While crouching doesn’t actually protect you from injury, you’ll be less likely to get struck by lightning as it makes its way toward the ground.
Being out in the open during a storm is like waving a flag at lightning. I learned this the hard way while camping once—open fields are a bad idea. The National Weather Service says lightning tends to strike the tallest object around, so you don’t want to be that object. If you’re stuck, the “lightning crouch” (feet together, head down) can reduce your contact with the ground, but it’s a last resort. Better yet, plan your outdoor activities with a backup shelter in mind, like a nearby pavilion or your car. A hard-topped vehicle acts like a Faraday cage, redirecting the current around you—pretty cool science when you think about it.
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5. Huddle Together for Safety
If you’re stuck outdoors in the open with a group of people during a lightning storm, don’t clump together to try to get out of the rain or wind. Instead, spread out at least 15 feet apart to minimize the likelihood that you will all get hit.
It’s tempting to huddle with friends when the rain starts pouring, but it’s a bad move. Lightning can strike multiple people if you’re too close. I saw this at a soccer game once—everyone bunched under a tent, and the coach had to yell to spread out. The Lightning Protection Institute recommends at least 15 feet of distance to reduce the risk of a single strike hitting the whole group. Think of it like social distancing for storms—give everyone some space, and you’ll all be safer.
6. Stand Under a Tree
Standing under a tree in a thunderstorm is incredibly dangerous. Because of their height, trees are likely to attract lightning as it heads toward the ground. A human being, however, conducts electricity better than a tree does, so if you’re near a tree, the lightning could easily jump from the tree to you.
Trees might look like shelter, but they’re lightning magnets. I remember hiking and nearly ducking under a big oak during a sudden storm—glad I didn’t. The National Park Service reports that trees are struck thousands of times each year, and side flashes (when lightning jumps to a nearby object) are a real danger. If you’re in a forest, try to stay in a low area away from tall trees. It’s not foolproof, but it beats standing under the tallest pine around.
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7. Stand Near a Window
Keep well away from windows during a thunderstorm to avoid injury. Many windows, both old and new, are constructed of metal or have metal parts that can conduct lightning. In addition, high winds during a storm can blow objects into windows, breaking the glass and potentially causing harm.
Windows can feel like a safe spot to watch the storm, but they’re risky. I used to love watching lightning from my bedroom window until I learned about the metal frames. The National Fire Protection Association warns that broken glass from wind or debris can cause serious injuries, and metal window frames can conduct electricity. Stay in the center of the room, away from windows and exterior walls. If you’re dying to see the storm, check a weather app for radar updates instead—it’s just as thrilling without the danger.
8. Keep Tech Gear Plugged In
Anything that’s plugged into an outlet in your home is at risk of being damaged from an electrical surge during thunderstorms. If an electrical storm has been forecast, unplug your computer, laptop, and other devices, and consider unplugging appliances. At the very least, plug appliances into a surge protector if they aren’t already, but understand the surge protector probably can’t stand up to a lightning strike nearby.
I learned this one the hard way when a storm fried my old desktop computer. Lightning-induced surges can travel through power lines, and even surge protectors have limits—most are rated for smaller surges, not a direct strike. The Insurance Institute for Business & Home Safety suggests unplugging expensive electronics like TVs and gaming consoles before a storm hits. It takes a minute to unplug, and it could save you hundreds in repairs. If you’re not home, a smart plug with remote control can be a lifesaver for cutting power remotely.
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9. Lie Down on the Ground
You don’t want to be the tallest thing around if you’re caught outdoors in a thunderstorm, but in your efforts to make yourself shorter, don’t make the mistake of lying down on the ground. When lightning strikes, electrical currents can travel along the surface of the ground in excess of 100 feet. By stretching out on the ground, you’re making yourself a bigger target.
Lying down might feel like a way to hide from lightning, but it’s a trap. Ground currents are no joke—I’ve read stories of people getting shocked just by being near a strike. The National Weather Service explains that these currents can spread out like ripples, carrying enough voltage to cause injury. If you’re stuck outside, the lightning crouch is your best bet, but honestly, try to get to a car or building first. It’s all about minimizing your contact with the ground and staying low.
10. Wash the Dishes
You shouldn’t wash dishes during a thunderstorm for the same reason you shouldn’t bathe during a thunderstorm: Lightning can travel through pipes, electrify your faucet, and cause injury. This is one hazard that’s easy to avoid: The dishes can wait.
I’ll admit, I’ve been tempted to tackle the sink full of dishes during a storm, but it’s not worth the risk. Metal faucets and water make a dangerous combo when lightning’s around. The American Burn Association reports that lightning-related burns from indoor activities like dishwashing are rare but can be severe. Let the dishes pile up for a bit—grab a book or binge a show instead. It’s a great excuse to take a break from chores!
11. Use Small Appliances
A thunderstorm is not the time to do the ironing, blow-dry your hair, or whip up a batch of meringue in the electric mixer. Any appliance plugged into an electrical outlet could carry a current should lightning strike, and you could be harmed if you’re handling, or even just very near, that appliance at the time.
Small appliances are so easy to forget about during a storm. I once almost used my hair dryer before remembering this rule—yikes! The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns that even small devices can become hazardous if a surge hits. Unplug that toaster or blender before the storm starts, and if you’re really craving toast, go for a peanut butter sandwich instead. It’s a small sacrifice for safety.
12. Do Laundry
Your washer and dryer are plugged into the wall, which is the first strike against them. The second strike is that they are metal, so lightning can run through them the same way it can your toaster or blow dryer. You definitely do not want to be near your washer and dryer during a thunderstorm, so give yourself a break from the laundry and curl up with a good book instead.
Laundry day during a storm is a bad idea. I’ve got a metal dryer that hums away in the basement, and I steer clear when thunder’s rumbling. The National Fire Protection Association notes that appliances like these can conduct electricity and even start fires if struck. If you’re worried about a must-do load, consider a laundromat trip after the storm passes. Better yet, use the downtime to relax—laundry will still be there later.
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13. Take a Swim
Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, as are many of the structures that surround swimming pools, such as metal ladders and diving boards. The American Red Cross recommends the 30-30 rule: Leave the pool and take cover when the time between lightning flash and thunder is 30 seconds or less, and remain under cover for 30 minutes after the last lightning is seen and thunder is heard. Although there has never been a documented lightning-related fatality at an indoor pool, many organizations, including the Red Cross, apply the 30-30 rule to indoor pools as well.
Swimming during a thunderstorm is a hard no. I remember being at a pool party as a kid when the lifeguard blew the whistle to clear the pool—best call ever. The 30-30 rule is a lifesaver, literally, because water conducts electricity so well. The National Lightning Safety Institute says even indoor pools can be risky if lightning hits nearby metal structures. If you’re itching to swim, wait it out. A quick dip isn’t worth the danger, and the 30-minute rule gives you time to dry off and chill indoors.
14. Run to the Nearest Gazebo
When you’re caught outdoors in a thunderstorm, you might be tempted to run to the nearest shelter, even if it’s a gazebo or picnic pavilion. Structures that aren’t completely enclosed will not protect you from lightning. If you can’t make it to a building, run for your car (assuming it has a hard top).
Gazebos look inviting when you’re getting soaked, but they’re not safe. I made this mistake once at a park and learned my lesson. The National Weather Service emphasizes that only fully enclosed structures with grounded electrical systems offer real protection. A hard-topped car is your next best bet—its metal body directs the current around you. If you’re planning a picnic, scout out a proper shelter nearby in case the weather turns.
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15. Head Back Outside After the Last Clap
The 30-minute rule doesn’t just apply to swimming pools: You should always wait 30 minutes after the last lightning you see (or thunder you hear) before heading back outside, or resuming any indoor activities that you were avoiding during the storm.
It’s easy to think the storm’s over once the thunder quiets down, but that’s a risky assumption. I’ve been guilty of heading out too soon, only to see lightning flash again. The 30-minute rule, backed by the American Red Cross, accounts for lingering strikes that can happen even as the storm moves away. Use that time to check your weather app or tidy up indoors. Patience here can make all the difference.
Everything You Need for a Lush and Healthy Lawn
Keeping your grass green and your plants thriving doesn’t just take a green thumb—it starts with the right tools and supplies.
A healthy lawn is great, but don’t let a storm catch you off guard while you’re tending to it. I’ve found that investing in a good weather app or a small weather station for your yard can help you plan lawn care around storms. The National Gardening Association suggests scheduling outdoor tasks like mowing or fertilizing for clear days to avoid getting stuck in a sudden downpour. A little planning keeps your lawn lush and you safe.