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Seven ways to escape a lightning storm
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As thunderstorms ramp up with most rainy seasons, so does danger from lightning strikes.
On Tuesday, an 11-year-old boy was struck by lightning in Daytona Beach, Florida, while fishing in the ocean and after an afternoon storm quickly developed.
While he was revived, six people have already been killed by lightning so far this year nationwide, according to NOAA.
Last year, 26 people were killed nationwide.
There are things that can help you avoid getting struck by lightning. Here are seven tips from NOAA to keep you safe in a storm:
- When you hear thunder, go indoors. Find a safe, enclosed shelter. If you can hear thunder, you're close enough to be hit by lightning.
- You can be struck by lightning in a car, but you're safer inside a vehicle than outside. If you're in a car, keep the windows closed. Avoid open-topped vehicles like convertibles and golf carts. The steel frame of a car offers better protection if you're not touching metal. Rubber shoes and tires don't offer protection from strikes.
- Avoid shelter under an isolated tree. Don't stand in an open field. Crouch down to avoid being the highest object if you can't find shelter.
- Stay away from concrete floors or walls. They often contain metal wires or bars, which can conduct electricity from a lightning strike.
- Don't use a corded telephone, because it can conduct electricity as well. If you need to call someone, use a wireless handset or a cell phone.
- Lightning can travel through plumbing, so stay away from sinks and faucets.
- Avoid ponds, pools, lakes and other bodies of water.
