It’s not uncommon to wake up to thunder and see flashes of lightning this time of year. Thunderstorms form more easily in summer because the hotter weather heats the ground, warming the air above it. This warm, humid air rises, cools, and turns into clouds that can grow into powerful storms. Since summer air holds more moisture, the rising heat creates the perfect conditions for storms, especially in the afternoon and evening. Longer daylight hours also give the sun more time to warm the earth, which is why most summer storms tend to pop up in the late afternoon or early evening. In short, the mix of heat, humidity, and rising air makes summer the season most likely to bring thunderstorms. But how much do you really know about these storms, and more importantly, do you know how to stay safe when one rolls in? Test your knowledge with this quick lightning quiz. Answers are at the end of the article.
Lightning safety quiz – How well do you know the facts?
Questions: TRUE OR FALSE
1. If it’s not raining, you’re safe from lightning.
2. A car’s rubber tires protect you from lightning strikes.
3. You should lie flat on the ground if caught outside during a storm.
4. You can be struck by lightning even if the storm is several miles away.
5. Most people struck by lightning die instantly.
Check your answers below. Surprised? You’re not alone. Lightning is one of the most misunderstood natural hazards. Yet each year in the United States, it strikes about 25 million times and kills around 20 to 25 people, with hundreds more injured. Whether you’re at the beach, a ballgame, or a backyard BBQ, knowing how to protect yourself could save your life.
Lightning doesn’t follow the rules we wish it would. It doesn’t wait for rain or give much warning. It can strike trees, buildings, open fields or people. And if you hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck.
Even indoors, lightning remains a threat. It can travel through wiring and plumbing, so using electronics that are plugged in or taking a shower during a storm isn’t just risky, it can be dangerous. Some lightning injuries have happened while people were on corded phones or even washing dishes. Now I know why my mom told me not to shower during a thunderstorm!
A helpful way to gauge your risk is the 30/30 rule. If you hear thunder within 30 seconds of seeing lightning, it’s time to get inside. And don’t head back out until at least 30 minutes after the last rumble. Lightning can strike the same place twice, even after the skies begin to clear.
How to stay safe during a thunderstorm
When a thunderstorm rolls in, the safest place to be is inside a sturdy building that has plumbing and electrical wiring or inside a hard-topped metal vehicle with the windows rolled up. Buildings with plumbing are safer because the pipes help ground the lightning, directing the electric charge safely into the earth. A hard-topped metal car is also safe because the metal frame, not the rubber tires, acts like a protective cage, directing the electricity around you and into the ground, keeping you safe inside.
It’s important to stay away from open spaces, isolated trees, water, metal bleachers, fences, and poles during a storm. Hiding under a tree during a lightning storm is very dangerous because trees are tall and often get struck by lightning. When lightning hits a tree, the electric current can travel down the trunk and jump to anyone nearby, causing serious injury or death. Staying out in the open isn’t safe either because you become the tallest object around, which also makes you a likely target for lightning.
Golf courses are especially risky because you’re out in the open holding metal clubs, which makes you an easy target for lightning. If you hear thunder while playing, it’s time to end the round and get somewhere safe immediately. Beaches can also be dangerous during lightning storms because they are wide open areas with little to no shelter. The sand doesn’t protect you, and the water is a great conductor of electricity, so being in or near the ocean puts you at high risk. If you hear thunder while at the beach, you should leave immediately and seek shelter in a sturdy building or a vehicle. Avoid gazebos, metal structures, umbrellas, and tents because they do not protect against lightning.
If you are caught outside with no shelter in sight, crouch down low with your feet close together, tuck your head, and cover your ears. This position minimizes contact with the ground and lowers your chance of being struck.
Once you’re inside, don’t let your guard down. Do not use corded electronics or phones, stay away from windows and doors, and don’t bathe, shower, or do the dishes until the storm has fully passed. If you can, unplug major appliances before the storm begins to prevent damage from power surges.
Heading to the beach, the ball field, pickleball court, or out for a hike? Check the weather first. Use an app that tracks lightning strikes in real time and never ignore warnings. When thunder starts, stop what you’re doing and seek shelter. Coaches, lifeguards, and even weekend warriors need to take lightning seriously. No game or event is worth risking your life.
Make sure kids know the rules, too. Teach them to come inside when they hear thunder and reinforce that safety is always more important than staying outside just a few minutes longer. While most people struck by lightning survive, the aftermath can be life-altering. Victims may experience memory loss, chronic pain, hearing or vision problems, nerve damage, or emotional trauma. The injuries aren’t always visible, but they are very real.
If someone is struck, call 911 right away. It’s perfectly safe to touch them since lightning victims do not carry an electrical charge. You may need to administer CPR or use an AED if they’re unresponsive.
Lightning may be an amazing force of nature, but also a dangerous one. Knowing how to stay safe and acting quickly can make all the difference. So next time thunder rolls across the sky, take it as your cue to head inside.
Remember: When thunder roars, go indoors.
Answers:
1. False. Lightning can strike even without rain. It often travels several miles ahead of a storm—if you hear thunder, you’re at risk.
2. False. The metal frame of the car protects you by directing the lightning around you—not the rubber tires.
3. False. Lying flat increases your contact with the ground. Instead, crouch low on the balls of your feet, with your head tucked and hands over your ears.
4. True. Lightning can travel up to 10 miles from a storm—so-called “bolts from the blue” can strike well ahead of dark clouds.
5. False. Around 90% of people struck by lightning survive, although many suffer long-term injuries or complications.
Robin is a former television reporter for NBC News 40. She currently hosts a podcast and radio program called Living Well with Robin Stoloff. It airs Sundays at 10 AM on Lite 96.9. You can email Robin at livingwellwithrobin@gmail.com
