Safety guide
Lightning safety guide
Lightning kills 20 Americans per year and injures 300. Every fatality is preventable. Here are the rules — and the myths that get people killed.
The 30-30 Rule
- Count seconds between lightning and thunder.
- If the count is under 30, lightning is within 6 miles — get to shelter immediately.
- Stay in shelter until 30 minutes after the last thunder.
- The 30-minute post-storm rule exists because half of lightning fatalities happen after storms appear to be over.
Where you're safe
- Fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing. NOT tents, sheds, or covered picnic shelters.
- Hardtop metal vehicle with windows up. The metal cage conducts current around you.
- Interior room with no windows is safest inside.
- Away from anything conductive (pipes, wired appliances, wet walls).
- Stay off corded phones (cordless and cell phones are fine).
Where you're NOT safe
- Under a tree. Trees are lightning rods. The most common location for lightning fatalities.
- On a hilltop, ridge, or open field.
- On or near water.
- On a golf course, ball field, or beach.
- Under a picnic shelter or gazebo — no wiring, no plumbing, no protection.
- On a bike, motorcycle, or in a convertible.
- Holding metal (golf club, umbrella, backpack frame).
- In or near tent camping.
If caught outside — the "lightning position" is a myth
The old advice to crouch in the 'lightning position' is no longer recommended. Studies showed it doesn't meaningfully reduce ground-current injury.
What to do instead:
- Get to a hard-topped building or vehicle if any is possible.
- If not: get low, get away from tall isolated objects, avoid water.
- Move continuously — a moving target is a smaller lightning attractor than a stationary one.
- Do NOT lie flat. Ground current spreads horizontally and full-body contact maximizes exposure.
- Do NOT huddle in a group. Spread out.
- Keep feet close together to reduce voltage differential.
Common lightning myths
"Lightning never strikes twice"
False. Empire State Building is hit 20-25 times per year. Roy Sullivan was struck 7 times.
"Rubber tires protect you"
False. It's the metal cage of a car that protects you — the rubber has nothing to do with it.
"You can't get struck if it's not raining"
False. "Bolts from the blue" travel 10+ miles from the parent storm.
"Lightning strike victims are electrified"
False. They carry no residual charge — start CPR immediately.
"Metal attracts lightning"
Partly false. Metal doesn't attract, but if struck it conducts current far.
"Shelter under a tree is safer than nothing"
False. Trees are the SECOND most dangerous lightning location. Open field is safer.
If someone is struck
- Call 911.
- Move victim only if in continued danger (near water, still exposed).
- Check breathing and pulse — cardiac arrest is the leading cause of lightning death.
- Start CPR if no pulse.
- Use an AED if available. Lightning-strike victims often revive with defibrillation.
- Treat burns, splint fractures.
- Even if victim seems fine, they need medical evaluation — lightning can cause delayed cardiac issues.
Lightning victims carry NO residual charge. It is completely safe to touch them and begin CPR immediately.
If your home is struck
- Fire is the biggest risk — call 911 even if no visible fire.
- Check attic for smoldering.
- Have HVAC, wiring, and appliances inspected.
- File insurance claim — homeowners typically covers lightning damage.
- Surge protectors help but don't save you from direct strikes.
Regional lightning risk
- Florida — the highest lightning density in the US.
- Texas Gulf coast — second-highest.
- Rocky Mountain states — highest fatality rate per capita (many outdoor activities).
- Great Plains — very active in supercell season.
- West coast — least lightning of any US region.