How do you protect yourself from a lightning storm?

Answer 1

1. Know what constitutes a severe thunderstorm so you can survive it. It is relatively small and quick, about 15 miles wide and lasts 20 to 30 minutes. At minimum, hail must be ¾-inch in diameter, winds must be 58 mph or it must contain a tornado, and it always contains lightning. Although these are technicalities, watch for larger hail, strong winds or tornado-like clouds. If you see any of these, prepare for a severe thunderstorm.

2. Close your blinds, shades or curtains. It may be tempting to keep them open to watch the storm progress, but with the high winds and large hail, windows can shatter and the covering prevents glass shards from flying all over the home.

3. Unplug appliances including air conditioners during severe thunderstorms. Don't use the phone and don't run any water. These safety precautions protect you if lightning strikes on or near your home so you can survive the strike.

4. Seek shelter in a sturdy building and get to land immediately to survive if you're on the water. Although open picnic shelters or bleachers protect you from the rain, they're often targets for lightning and can blow over easily. Cars are the next best choice if buildings are not available, but keep windows shut. Groups of trees are alright but never choose a single tree or tall trees for protection.

5. Pull over to the side of the road if you're driving when a severe thunderstorm hits, finding a spot void of tall trees or other tall objects that may fall on your car. Keep the radio and your emergency flashers on until the storm passes. Do not attempt to drive in flooded areas because it takes as little as 2 feet of water to carry away an entire car.

Answer 2

1. Get indoors
2. Stay off the phone during a storm.
3. Avoid metal pipes
4. Don't take a shower, wash your hands, wash dishes or use water in any other way if you think lightning is imminent

You protect yourself from lightning best when outdoors by staying inside a car or lying flat on the ground in the open, in a low spot or ditch if possible, and away from any large trees. Being inside a building is usually safe, but it is advisable to stay away from anything connected to electric wiring, including telephone and CATV lines. Being near a lead in wire from a rooftop antenna can also be hazardous, as can copper, water, and gas pipes under certain circumstances.

Answer 3

stay in a building or a car and stay away from metal objects because metal is a good conducters of electricity