When lightning threatens, take steps to protect yourself because it kills thousand of people each year.
- Find a safe place. Stay inside the building. Avoid some place that conducts electricity like windows and doors. Generally it is better for us to stay inside the room than staying along the outer walls of a building. Do not stay in the park and rain shelter. If you have car stay inside and close the door and make sure that you're not touching the metal.
- Stop working with water. Stop doing some household chores like washing dishes, laundry and don't wash your hands. Stay out of the tub and shower. If you're on a sea swimming, head for shore and shelter immediately.
- Don't use electrical appliances or a telephone with a cord. Lightning can follow electrical wires and lines into your home.
- If you're caught outdoors, seek a safer location immediately. Once the storm has passed wait at least a few minutes after the last lightning flash before leaving the shelter.
- Avoid lightning targets. Stay away from trees and any tall, isolated structures. If caught in an open area, throw away any metal items that you are holding.
