A “safe” building is one that is fully enclosed, with a roof, walls and floor. Homes, schools, office buildings, churches, and shopping malls are examples of safe buildings. A shed, baseball dugout, carport, tents, or pavilions are not safe places to seek shelter. If you cannot get to an enclosed building, seek shelter in an enclosed metal vehicle, but NOT a convertible, bike or other topless or soft top vehicle.

If you are enjoying outdoor activities such as golfing, hiking, or camping and cannot get to a safe building or vehicle, follow these last resort safety tips, provided by the National Weather Service, to avoid being struck by lightening:

Do NOT seek shelter under a tree.
Do NOT seek shelter under partially enclosed buildings.
Stay away from tall, isolated objects. Lightening strikes the tallest object in an open field.
Know the weather pattern of the area. If rain usually occurs in the afternoon, plan your trip for the morning hours.
Know the weather forecast before you plan outdoor activities.
If camping, set up camp in an open area, in a valley, ravine or other low area.
If you are mountain climbing, be aware of wet ropes. They make excellent conductors in a thunderstorm. Remove ropes immediately, if possible.
Stay away from metal objects such as fences, poles, and backpacks.

If lightening is in the immediate area, and there is no safe building or vehicle nearby, stand at least 15 feet apart from other members of your group so lightening will not travel between you if someone is hit. If it is safe to run to a building or vehicle, DO so. Do not sit or crouch on the ground unless it is a last resort.

If you are riding a bike or motorcycle and a thunderstorm develops follow these safety tips:

Carry a portable weather radio or commercial radio. Know your weather forecast before you leave.
If you see a storm up ahead in the distance, seek a safe location and wait 30 minutes after the last crack of thunder.
If you can turn around and head in the opposite direction, DO so!
DO NOT ride into a storm.

If you cannot get to a safe building or vehicle follow these last resort safety tips:

Wait for the storm to pass under an overpass but do not touch steel girders. Move away from your bike and remain on dry surface, if possible.
If you are caught out in the open and lightening is occurring within 5 miles, STOP riding, get off your motorcycle/bike and find a ditch or other low spot to sit in.
Motorcyclists should move at least 50 feet away from their bikes. Bicyclists should lay their bikes down on the ground.
Look for a bridge but stay away from the water and any metal surfaces.
You may seek shelter directly underneath high voltage electrical tension wires but do not get too close to the towers holding up the wires. The National Weather Service recommends staying at least 50 feet away. Electric companies design high tension wires for lightening strikes. Should lightening strike the wires or towers, the current is designed to safely go deep into the ground.

If you are coaching an outdoor athletic event and a thunderstorm develops, seek shelter in vehicles or a restroom.
Do not seek shelter in the dugout.

If you are spending the day at the beach and an unexpected thunderstorm strikes, run to your vehicle or restroom.
Do not seek shelter under picnic pavilions.

If indoors when a thunderstorm hits follow these safety tips:

Avoid water (includes taking a bath or shower).
Stay away from doors and windows.
Do not use the telephone.
Remove headsets.
Turn off, unplug and do not use appliances, TV’s, computers, or power tools.

Lightening may strike exterior electric and phone lines, which may send a shock to inside equipment. Suspend activities for 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder or bolt of lightening.

Lightening victims do not carry an electrical charge and can be administered CPR by a qualified individual until emergency personnel arrive.

Remember this slogan provided by the National Lightning Safety Institute:

“IF YOU CAN SEE IT, FLEE IT; IF YOU CAN HEAR IT, CLEAR IT.”