A Guide to
A Guide to
Lightning
Lightning
and
and
Thunderstorm Thunderstorm
Safety
Safety
Each year in the United States, more than 400
people are struck by lightning and in Florida, an
average of 7 people are killed. Lightning is
Florida’s #1 storm-related killer and Florida leads
the nation in the number of lightning deaths and
injuries. Most of these tragedies can be avoided
if the proper precautions are taken.
Each year in the United States, more than 400
people are struck by lightning and in Florida, an
average of 7 people are killed. Lightning is
Florida’s #1 storm-related killer and Florida leads
the nation in the number of lightning deaths and
injuries. Most of these tragedies can be avoided
if the proper precautions are taken.
Quick Facts
Quick Facts
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Lightning is the result of the buildup and
discharge of electrical energy.
All thunderstorms produce lightning and are
dangerous.
Lightning often strikes outside the area of
heavy rain and may strike as far as 10 miles
from any rainfall.
If you hear thunder, you are in danger.
Lightning CAN strike the same place twice.





Lightning is the result of the buildup and
discharge of electrical energy.
All thunderstorms produce lightning and are
dangerous.
Lightning often strikes outside the area of
heavy rain and may strike as far as 10 miles
from any rainfall.
If you hear thunder, you are in danger.
Lightning CAN strike the same place twice.
When Thunder Roars,
Go Indoors
When Thunder Roars,
Go Indoors
When you hear thunder roar immediately seek
shelter in a substantial building or hard-topped
metal vehicle. Remember, lightning can strike
as far away as 10 miles from the thunderstorm.
When you hear thunder roar immediately seek
shelter in a substantial building or hard-topped
metal vehicle. Remember, lightning can strike
as far away as 10 miles from the thunderstorm.
What To Do When
Lightning Threatens
What To Do When
Lightning Threatens
Develop a family emergency plan. Identify a
safe shelter in your home, business and your
neighborhood.
 Monitor the local forecast prior to planning
events outdoors. Consider postponing outdoor
activities when storms are expected.
 When a thunderstorm develops, go to a safe
place. Substantial buildings provide the best
protection. When a building is unavailable a
hard-topped vehicle with closed windows will
also offer good protection. Stay away from
electronic devices, metal, wiring and
plumbing.
 If you are unable to find a secured building,
the Lightning Crouch may be used as a last
resort. Find a ditch or low spot, crouch down
and bend your head towards your knees.

Develop a family emergency plan. Identify a
safe shelter in your home, business and your
neighborhood.
 Monitor the local forecast prior to planning
events outdoors. Consider postponing outdoor
activities when storms are expected.
 When a thunderstorm develops, go to a safe
place. Substantial buildings provide the best
protection. When a building is unavailable a
hard-topped vehicle with closed windows will
also offer good protection. Stay away from
electronic devices, metal, wiring and
plumbing.
 If you are unable to find a secured building,
the Lightning Crouch may be used as a last
resort. Find a ditch or low spot, crouch down
and bend your head towards your knees.

For more information on
Lightning and Thunderstorms
For more information on
Lightning and Thunderstorms
visit www.FloridaDisaster.org
www.lightningsafety.NOAA.gov
visit www.FloridaDisaster.org
www.lightningsafety.NOAA.gov