One lightning strike can carry enough electricity to power 10 million homes for one month. If you’re
outside when there is lightning, the following tips will help you protect yourself.
Lightning is always seeking the quickest path to the ground. Humans are good conductors because
our bodies are 70 percent water. Try not to be the tallest object around and don’t stand
near or under the tallest object, such as a tree. Lightning may travel from the tallest object
to any nearby object that is a better conductor of electricity.
Seek shelter. The safest place is inside a building or car. Avoid using the telephone in a home
or touching anything metal in a car.
If you can't find shelter, try a cave or depression in the ground or a low area in dense woods.
If you're caught in an open area, make yourself as small a target as possible. Crouch down with
only your feet on the ground. Don’t lie flat on your back or stomach.
One lightning strike can carry enough electricity to power 10 million homes for one month. If you’re
outside when there is lightning, the following tips will help you protect yourself.