Substantial, frequently inhabited buildings (those grounded with plumbing, electrical systems, and, if possible, lightning rods) are best. If you can’t find a substantial structure, get in a car with a metal roof and sides. If the car is struck, the metal body will conduct the electricity around you, not through you. Make sure all windows are rolled up and doors are closed. Be careful not to lean against any metal – if you do, the lightning will be conducted into your body if it strikes the car. Do not use the radio. Avoid small structures, such as stand-alone public restrooms. Open covering and rain shelters are also not suitable. These structures will attract lightning and provide no protection, making them more dangerous to be around. Standing under a tree is a very bad choice. Lightning strikes tall objects, and if the tree you are standing under is struck, you may be struck as well or injured by the tree. Bring in your pets. Doghouses and other pet shelters are not suitable protection against lightning strikes. A pet leashed to a fence has a much higher risk of getting struck by lightning.
Do not touch any electrical outlets during a storm. Do not unplug any devices during a lightning storm, as the strike could be transferred to you. Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls. Most concrete has a wire mesh which can conduct electricity. Stay out of the bathtub or shower, and avoid indoor swimming pools. In a car, try to avoid touching any part of the metal frame or the car’s glass.
Move to a lower elevation. Lightning is much more likely to strike objects at higher elevations. Do what you can do get as low as possible. Avoid large open spaces where you are taller than anything else around you, like a golf course or soccer field. Stay away from isolated objects such as trees and light posts. Get away from unprotected vehicles, such as golf carts, and unprotected structures, such as picnic shelters. Avoid long metal structures, i. e. bleachers.
Take a headcount after every close strike. This will ensure that anyone struck will get emergency attention quickly.
This is a difficult position to hold, and it definitely doesn’t guarantee your safety. However, by making it easier for a lightning strike to flow over your body rather than through vital organs, you may be able to sustain a smaller injury from it. Cover your ears and close your eyes to protect against nearby thunder and bright lightning flashes.
Research the local climate: in some areas you can almost guarantee a thunderstorm on summer afternoons. Schedule your activities to avoid many high-risk situations. Those hot, muggy days are just the thing that a thunderstorm needs to get going. [10] X Research source
Note that lightning can, however, strike even in the absence of these indicators.
Have your lightning rod professionally installed. An incorrectly installed rod can increase the chance of a lightning strike.
Despite the common myth, lightning can strike the same place twice.
Perform Child CPR if the victim is a child. Perform Adult CPR on adult victims.
