Lightning Storm Safety

June 30, 2025||inPersonal Insurance|damage, general safety, home safety, homeowners insurance, personal insurance, prevent damage, property damage, safety

Lightning storms can be pretty intense. They light up the sky in dramatic fashion, but they are also dangerous. A lightning strike can cause major injuries like burns, heart issues, or even brain damage. Yikes. That’s why it’s important to know how to stay safe when one rolls into your area. To help you stay safe, the CDC has some helpful tips, and we’ve broken them down here in a way that’s easy to follow—no stress, just smart moves.

Lightning
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⚡ If You’re Inside During a Storm

Great news—you’re already one step ahead by being indoors! But there are still a few things you can do to stay extra safe:

  • Close up shop: Shut all your windows and doors to keep the weather out.
  • Hands off the plumbing: That means no showers, baths, or dishwashing—water and lightning don’t mix.
  • Unplug the fun stuff: Avoid using anything that plugs directly into the wall (like TVs, corded phones, and desktop computers).
  • Skip the concrete hangout: Don’t sit or lie down on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls—they can actually conduct electricity. Weird, right?

⚡ If You’re Outside During a Storm

Caught outside? No worries—just follow these steps to stay as safe as possible:

  • Crouch low, but don’t lie down: Get low to the ground (like in a squat), but don’t go completely flat.
  • Trees aren’t your friend: Don’t hide under them. They attract lightning.
  • Avoid high places: Hills, ridges, and mountaintops? Not the place to be.
  • Water + metal = nope: Stay far away from lakes, pools, rivers, and anything that can conduct electricity like fences or power lines.
  • Boating or fishing? Head to shore ASAP! Get to land and find shelter.

⚡ If Someone Gets Struck by Lightning

Okay, this part is serious—if someone you’re with gets hit by lightning, call 911 right away.

If you’re trained in CPR and they’re not breathing or don’t have a pulse, jump in and help until emergency responders arrive. For conscious victims, do what you can to keep them calm and treat any burns or injuries while waiting for help.

Lightning storms can be scary, but staying safe doesn’t have to be. With a little preparation and quick thinking, you can ride out the storm like a pro. Stay safe out there!

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