Lightning kills an average of 20 people per year in the United States and injures hundreds more. During severe thunderstorms, knowing where to shelter, how to assess risk, and what to do if someone is struck can mean the difference between life and death.
The 30-30 Rule
Count the seconds between a lightning flash and the thunder. If it is 30 seconds or less, seek shelter immediately. Stay sheltered until 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder. This rule applies to outdoor work, camping, hiking, and any activity away from a solid structure.
Safe Shelter Options
A fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing is the safest option; the electrical system provides a path to ground. A hard-topped vehicle with windows closed is the next best choice. Avoid open shelters, gazebos, tents, and covered porches, as they offer zero lightning protection.
If caught outdoors with no shelter, avoid hilltops, tall isolated trees, and open water. Crouch low with feet together, minimizing ground contact. Do NOT lie flat; this increases the surface area exposed to ground current.
After a Lightning Strike
A person struck by lightning does not carry an electrical charge and is safe to touch immediately. Call 911 and begin CPR if the victim has no pulse. Use your first aid kit to treat burns, which may appear at entry and exit points. Lightning strike victims have a high survival rate if CPR is administered within minutes.
Protecting Your Equipment
Unplug sensitive electronics before a storm arrives. A whole-house surge protector on your electrical panel shields appliances from indirect strikes. For your portable power station, disconnect it from solar panels during active lightning and store it indoors. Solar panels can survive indirect strikes, but a direct hit will destroy the charge controller.
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