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We often say 'you’re more likely to be struck by lightning' to emphasize rarity, but the National Weather Service reports that approximately 20 people die annually from lightning strikes, with hundreds more injured. While it’s not a common occurrence, you certainly don’t want to become one of those statistics. Here’s how to steer clear of lightning strikes and what actions to take if you ever find yourself in that rare situation.
Tips to Prevent Being Struck by Lightning
The most straightforward advice is to stay indoors during a storm. But if you are caught outside during an electrical storm, the New York Department of Health recommends the following precautions:
Steer clear of open areas, hilltops, and ridge peaks
Avoid tall, solitary trees or other elevated structures
If you’re with a group, disperse to prevent electric current from transferring between individuals in case of a lightning strike
Keep away from water and any damp objects
Contrary to common misconceptions, water and metal don’t attract lightning—but they are excellent conductors. Since electric currents can travel far through these materials, it’s safest to avoid them entirely during a storm.
Besides using a radio or smartphone to track the weather, watch for visual indicators of an approaching storm: towering, cauliflower-shaped clouds, darkened skies, distant thunder, and visible lightning. Seek shelter immediately upon noticing these signs; don’t wait for lightning to strike close by.
Even indoors, precautions are necessary to avoid certain types of lightning strikes. We’ll delve into the various kinds of lightning strikes later, but for now, here’s what to do inside, as recommended by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:
Avoid water—refrain from showering, washing dishes, or touching plumbing during a storm, since lightning can travel through pipes or water and reach you.
Do not use electronic devices, especially those plugged into outlets.
Avoid corded phones, but cordless or cell phones are safe, particularly for emergency calls.
Do not lie or lean on concrete floors, as they may contain metal reinforcements that conduct electricity.
Steps to Take If Someone Nearby Is Struck by Lightning
If someone near you is hit by lightning, follow these steps as advised by the New York Department of Health, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and California’s Dignity Health:
Immediately call 911.
If multiple individuals are struck, prioritize helping those who are unconscious, as they may initially seem lifeless.
Relocate the person to a safer area if the threat of further lightning strikes persists.
Begin CPR immediately (rest assured, there’s no residual electric charge in their body).
Wrap the person in a jacket or blanket to prevent hypothermia.
Attend to conscious victims next, but be aware they may have burns or fractures.
What to Do If You Are Struck by Lightning
A lightning strike may render you unconscious, so it’s crucial to have someone nearby to help. If you stay conscious, call 911 immediately. Unfortunately, that’s the extent of your options. The aftermath of a lightning strike can be severe, so seeking prompt medical assistance is paramount.
Various Types of Lightning Strikes Exist
As stated by the National Weather Service, lightning can strike victims in five distinct ways, all of which can be fatal.
A direct strike occurs when a person becomes part of the primary lightning discharge channel, often because they are in an exposed area. While rare, these strikes are among the most dangerous.
A side splash or side flash happens when lightning hits a taller object near the victim, and part of the current jumps to them. This is why avoiding tall trees during a storm is crucial.
A ground current strike takes place when lightning hits an object, and the energy spreads outward along the ground. Being outdoors near a strike puts you at risk, and ground currents can also travel through concrete floors with conductive materials.
Conduction is responsible for most indoor lightning injuries and some outdoor ones. Anyone touching metal wires, plumbing, or surfaces extending outside is at risk. Avoid showering, using faucets, or handling corded phones during storms.
Streamers, according to the NWS, “form as the downward-moving leader approaches the ground. Usually, one streamer connects with the leader, creating the path for the return stroke. However, when the main channel discharges, all nearby streamers do as well.” In short, seek shelter when a storm is near.
How Likely Is Any of This to Happen?
Don’t worry too much—lightning strikes are extremely rare. According to the NWS, the U.S. averaged 43 lightning-related deaths annually from 1989 to 2018. Only about 10% of those struck die, but the remaining 90% often suffer from disabilities. Staying vigilant and following safety precautions can help you avoid becoming a statistic.
