Staying Safe From Lightning Strikes in Thunderstorms

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) hosts Lightning Safety Awareness Week every year to educate the public on how to protect themselves during thunderstorms. When lightning strikes, there are many misconceptions about where to seek shelter, and finding shelter isn't always the easiest thing to do. If you want to keep your family secure, you need to know the facts. Thunderstorms are responsible for the deaths of 28 Americans every year, according to NOAA's 10-year average of lightning deaths. Here are some tips that you can use to keep you and your family safe and out of harm's way. 

Find Indoor Shelter as Fast as Possible

It's always best to be indoors during a thunderstorm. If you can't get inside a building or home, get inside your vehicle. Staying out in the open is something you definitely want to avoid. 

Keep Low

Stay as low to the ground as you possibly can. If you can get underground, that would be even better. You never want to be one of the tallest standing objects during a thunderstorm, since you'll attract lightning. If you can't find shelter indoors or in a vehicle, lay down in the nearest ditch or valley. 

The NOAA says don't go out in fields or on top of hills if you know thunderstorms are going to be in the vicinity. The government also advises staying away from tall, solitary trees.