Using a mobile phone that is not connected to a charger does not make you a lightning target. The more important concern is your location and whether you are exposed to the storm.
Myth 5: A car is safe because its tires are made of rubber.
A fully enclosed hard-topped vehicle can provide protection primarily because lightning current travels around the vehicle's exterior metal structure and toward the ground. The rubber tires are not the main source of protection.
Myth 6: You can go outside immediately after the last heavy rain.
The lightning threat may continue after rainfall weakens or stops. Remain in shelter for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder. <Cite refs={["turn774753search1","turn774753search4","turn774753search9"]}/>
12. Prepare Your Home Before a Thunderstorm Arrives
12. Prepare Your Home Before a Thunderstorm Arrives
The safest time to prepare for a storm is before it begins.
Check weather forecasts and local warnings, particularly if you plan to travel, exercise outdoors, work in a garden, or spend time near water.
Charge your mobile phone in advance, keep a flashlight accessible, and make sure household members know where to shelter. If you have children, explain why they should not watch lightning from a balcony or run outside during a storm.
If severe weather is forecast, postpone unnecessary outdoor activities. Complete tasks involving plumbing and electrical appliances before the storm arrives whenever possible.
You can also consider appropriate surge protection for household electronics. However, protection devices have limitations, and no home system should be treated as a reason to ignore lightning safety recommendations.
If you live in an area prone to severe thunderstorms, learn how local authorities issue warnings and which emergency numbers to call.
These simple preparations can reduce confusion and help everyone respond more quickly when weather conditions deteriorate.
Final Safety Checklist: What to Remember
When lightning is present, a few rules are especially important:
-
Go inside a substantial enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle with the windows closed.
-
Avoid showering, bathing, washing dishes, and other contact with plumbing until the storm has passed.
-
Stay away from plugged-in electrical equipment and corded telephones.
-
Keep away from windows, doors, balconies, porches, and direct contact with concrete floors or walls.
-
Never shelter under an isolated tree or remain in an open field if you can reach safer shelter.
-
Do not use the time between lightning and thunder as proof that it is safe to stay outdoors.
-
Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning to outdoor activities.
-
Call emergency services and begin appropriate first aid if someone is struck by lightning and the scene is safe.
Thunderstorms are unpredictable, but many lightning-related injuries can be prevented through timely action. The most effective strategy is to recognize the danger early, seek proper shelter, and avoid unnecessary exposure.
Remember: when you hear thunder, stop what you are doing and get to safety. A postponed shower, a delayed chore, or a canceled outdoor activity is a small inconvenience compared with the potentially serious consequences of a lightning injury.
Final Safety Checklist: What to Remember
When lightning is present, a few rules are especially important:
-
Go inside a substantial enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle with the windows closed.
-
Avoid showering, bathing, washing dishes, and other contact with plumbing until the storm has passed.
-
Stay away from plugged-in electrical equipment and corded telephones.
-
Keep away from windows, doors, balconies, porches, and direct contact with concrete floors or walls.
-
Never shelter under an isolated tree or remain in an open field if you can reach safer shelter.
-
Do not use the time between lightning and thunder as proof that it is safe to stay outdoors.
-
Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning to outdoor activities.
-
Call emergency services and begin appropriate first aid if someone is struck by lightning and the scene is safe.
Thunderstorms are unpredictable, but many lightning-related injuries can be prevented through timely action. The most effective strategy is to recognize the danger early, seek proper shelter, and avoid unnecessary exposure.
Remember: when you hear thunder, stop what you are doing and get to safety. A postponed shower, a delayed chore, or a canceled outdoor activity is a small inconvenience compared with the potentially serious consequences of a lightning injury.