Do not lie down flat, and minimize your contact with the ground. Lightning can be fatal up to one hundred feet away from the initial strike.
Do not return to the body of water until thirty minutes after the last lightning strike. Any earlier, and the storm may not be over. [4] X Research source Indoor swimming is equally unsafe. Avoid all large bodies of water during a storm.
If you’re in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees. [5] X Research source Umbrellas can increase your risk of getting hit if it is the tallest object in the area.
If you are riding a bicycle, drop the bike and crouch to the ground. Most bikes are made of metal and are excellent lightning conductors. [6] X Research source Rubber shoes or other rubber objects will not actually protect you from metal’s conducting properties.
Even showers or bathtubs that are completely enclosed without windows nearby put you at-risk for electrocution because of the water pipes. Avoid areas with standing water or excessive moisture during storms, like a cellar basement or patio slab. [8] X Research source Because porcelain is a great insulator, toilets are safe to use during lightning storms so long as you aren’t touching metal. [9] X Research source
Unplug electronic objects during a thunderstorm in case lightning strikes the house and the surge short circuits them. [11] X Research source Electronic devices can get damaged due to lightning strikes and power surges. The use of surge arresters can prevent damage by rerouting the voltage to the ground when the voltage spikes.
Do not touch doorknobs during a storm, as metal conducts electricity. [12] X Research source
Open vehicles, like golf carts, ATVs, and riding mowers, are not safe during lightning storms. Seek shelter indoors. Convertibles are less safe than other cars in thunderstorms. If possible, avoid driving them when it’s raining. Starting your car is generally safe during a thunderstorm, but do not under any circumstances jump your car until the storm has passed.
Rubber tires will not protect your car from getting struck. [13] X Research source
In some cases, lightning strikes can damage your car’s electric systems. Avoid driving your car during thunderstorms if you have expensive radio or GPS systems installed.
