Watching an intense lightning display can leave one awestruck at nature’s power. But being in a vulnerable location – outdoors or indoors – puts you in danger. In general, the odds of being struck by lightning are low – less than 1 in a million – and injuries from strikes are more common than deaths. However, most of those deaths occur in the summer due to the combination of increased outdoor activity and thunderstorms.

With summer events in full swing, it’s important to have a general understanding of how lightning behaves, the dos and don’ts during a thunderstorm, and to separate lightning myths from facts.

The Thunder-Lightning Connection

It’s important to remember that if there is a thunderstorm, there’s lightning somewhere, as thunder comes from lightning. Thunderstorms form when the right “ingredients” are present: moisture, unstable air, and some effect that forces that air to rise, such as when warm and cooler air meet. Storm clouds then form in areas where temperatures are below freezing. This causes tiny bits of ice and water to form and bump into each other, building electrical charges. The releasing of that electricity is a bolt of lightning, and the sound wave it creates is thunder.

So if you see lightning, what is a safe distance? A good rule of thumb for gauging lightning danger is the “flash-to-bang” method. After you see a flash of lightning, count the seconds until you hear thunder. Divide that number by five to estimate how many miles away the storm is. If thunder follows lightning within 30 seconds (6 miles), you’re within striking distance and should seek shelter immediately. Remember: If you can hear thunder, you're close enough to be struck. Lightning can strike 6-10 miles away and in certain circumstances that distance may be even greater.

Dispelling Common Myths

A persistent myth is that lightning never strikes the same place twice. In reality, it often strikes tall structures like skyscrapers or radio towers repeatedly during a single storm. Another myth is that rubber-soled shoes or tires provide protection. While they may seem insulating, they offer virtually no safety from a lightning strike. Finally, some believe that if it’s not raining or if clouds aren’t overhead, lightning can’t strike, but lightning can travel miles ahead of a storm.

A few other common myths include:

1. Someone struck by lightning is electrified. Humans cannot store electricity. Call 911 and administer any necessary first aid.
2. Lying flat on the ground reduces your chances of being struck. Instead, you want to avoid as much of the ground as possible. Crouching might make you a smaller target but your best bet is to continue to move toward a safe shelter.
3. You’re fully protected from lightning indoors. You’re definitely better off, but you can still suffer from a lightning strike indoors.
   
   • Stay away from windows, doors, and porches or decks.
   • Be aware that lightning can travel through the metal wires and bars in concrete walls and flooring.
   • Stay away from water, including washing dishes, and taking showers and baths, as lightning can travel through the plumbing.
   • Cellular phones (and cordless) are safe to use; corded phones are not.
   • Do not use anything connected to an outlet, as lightning can travel through electrical systems. Use surge protectors to protect your appliances.

Caught Outside? Here’s What to Do

Your best defense is to be prepared before scheduling outdoor activities by checking your weather forecast – and make sure you have a reliable weather app on your phone or a weather radio. However, thunderstorms can and do pop up unexpectedly, so even that is not a foolproof plan. When you get to your destination, scan the area for a suitable shelter that is not too far away (this can also be your vehicle). The safest place during a thunderstorm is inside a sturdy building or a hard-topped metal vehicle – not a soft-top or convertible.

If you’re outside with no immediate access to shelter, your goal is to minimize risk:

• On a golf course: Leave your clubs behind and seek shelter. Avoid trees, hilltops, and open fairways. Also, your golf cart will not protect you.
• While jogging or biking: Stop and seek shelter, preferably in a building or car. Avoid open fields and metal objects.
• At the beach or in the water: Get out of the water immediately and find shelter. Water is a strong conductor of electricity.

Open structures like porches, gazebos, baseball dugouts, and picnic shelters do not offer protection from lightning.

Also, if you are in a group, move away from each other. If lightning does strike near you this can minimize the number of injuries.

Final Thoughts

Lightning is as unpredictable as it is magnificent, but it’s important to keep this in mind to greatly reduce your risk: When thunder roars, go indoors. Then, stay there at least 30 minutes after the last rumble. A better understanding of thunderstorms and the lightning they bring, combined with a safety plan (complete with an evacuation kit in case a lightning strike causes a fire) can help you better protect yourself and your family when storms roll in this summer.