Lightning Facts
Do's and Don'ts for Lightning Safety
- Go inside. Take shelter in a home, large building or large metal frame building, all preferably protected with a UL Master Labeled lightning protection system.
- Avoid areas where you will be the highest object. If caught in an open field, and your hair begins to stand on end (an indication that lightning is about to strike) drop down and crouch with hands on knees, rocking up on the balls of your feet. (The idea is to make as little contact with the ground as possible.) Never lie down flat or place your hands on the ground.
- Certain locations are extremely hazardous during thunderstorms. Avoid lakes, beaches or open water, fishing from a boat or dock, riding on golf carts, farm equipment, motor cycles or bicycles. Take shelter in tunnels, subways, even ditches or caves if necessary, never under a tree!
- If caught on high ground or in an open area, seek shelter in a low area and stay away from trees. A small grove of bushes or shrubs is preferable to lone trees.
- To avoid side flashes (voltage from a nearby struck object) stay clear of fences or isolated trees. Keep away from telephone poles, power lines, pipelines or other electrically conductive objects.
- Stay off the telephone! In your home, don't stand near open windows, doorways or metal piping. Stay away from the TV, plumbing, sinks, tubs, radiators and stoves. Avoid contact with small electric appliances such as radios, toasters and hairdryers.
Common Misconceptions!
- "Lightning will strike a tree instead of my house"
- "My home is safe because it is grounded"
- "My home stands lower than my neighbors or other objects"
- "My home is safe since it has never been struck before"
- "/ have plug-in suppressors for protection"
- "My home is insured"
- "Lightning never strikes twice"
- "My neighbor has lightning protection and it will hit him before, it hits me"
- "My home is protected by overhead power lines"
- "Lightning rods attract lightning." (THEY DON'T!)
- "IT WILL NEVER HAPPEN TO ME!"
Is Your Property At Risk?
Does your computer have a phone line? Have you ever lost data from your hard drive due to a power surge? Are your phone lines and cable TV grounded?
Can your insurance fully compensate you for damaged property, lost possessions, personal injury or lifestyle inconvenience due to a fire or surge damage?
Do you currently have smoke alarms or a security system in your house? Do these make you feel safer and give you peace of mind?
Do you or someone in your household/business know CPR in the event someone is struck by lightning?
Do lightning and thunder scare you or your family. Does your pet sense the danger and hide during a storm?
How fast can the Fire Department respond to an emergency at your residence or business?
Are you certain that lightning hasn't already caused damage to your property? (Orange County Utilities in Florida recently learned that copper plumbing pipes are routinely struck by lightning, which can cause gradual pinhole damage.)