The best way to protect yourself during stormy weather is to stay indoors whenever there is lightning. Especially during peak thunderstorm seasons, always check weather forecasts before planning outdoor activities and have contingency plans for unexpected storms.

However, staying inside is not always enough to ensure safety. Statistics show that about one-third of lightning-related injuries occur indoors. To protect yourself and your family, pay close attention to the following precautions:

1. Do Not Take a Shower or Bath
Never shower or bathe during a thunderstorm. Lightning can travel through plumbing, putting you at serious risk of electrocution. Even metal fixtures like taps and drains can conduct electricity.

2. Do Not Sit or Lean on Concrete Surfaces
Avoid sitting on or leaning against concrete walls or floors. Most concrete structures contain steel reinforcement bars, which are excellent conductors of electricity and can channel lightning strikes directly to you.

3. Do Not Use Wired Telephones
Using a landline phone during a thunderstorm is extremely dangerous because lightning can travel through phone lines. Cordless or mobile phones (without being plugged in for charging) are safe alternatives.

4. Do Not Stand Outside
Being outdoors during a storm is very risky. The safest place is inside a fully enclosed building. If you get caught outside, move quickly to a car with a hard roof or the nearest building. If no shelter is available, crouch low with your feet together and minimize contact with the ground.

5. Do Not Huddle Together
If you are outdoors in a group during a thunderstorm, avoid huddling together to escape rain or wind. Keep at least 4–5 meters apart to reduce the risk of multiple people being struck by lightning simultaneously.

6. Do Not Stand Under Trees
Standing under trees is extremely dangerous. Tall trees attract lightning, and because the human body is a better conductor than a tree, standing nearby can make you a direct target.

7. Do Not Stand Near Windows
Stay away from windows during storms. Metal window frames and other components can conduct lightning. Additionally, strong winds may blow debris through windows, breaking glass and causing injury.

8. Do Not Charge Electronic Devices
Any devices plugged into wall sockets are at risk during a storm due to electrical surges. Unplug computers, phones, and other electronics before a thunderstorm hits to prevent damage or injury.

9. Do Not Lie Flat on the Ground
If caught outside, being the tallest object in your surroundings increases risk. But lying flat on the ground is also dangerous because electricity can travel over 30 meters along the surface. Instead, crouch low with feet together to minimize contact.

10. Do Not Wash Dishes
Just as with bathing, avoid using sinks or washing dishes. Water pipes can conduct electricity, making even faucets hazardous during lightning.

11. Do Not Use Electrical Appliances
Avoid irons, hairdryers, blenders, and similar devices. Any appliance plugged into the socket can conduct lightning, even if you are not touching it directly at the time of the strike.

12. Do Not Do Laundry
Washing machines and dryers are metal appliances plugged into electricity. Do not operate or stay near them during thunderstorms.

13. Do Not Swim
Water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Pools, lakes, and even bathtubs can become deadly during lightning. The American Red Cross recommends the “30-30 Rule”: leave the water if the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is 30 seconds or less, and stay in shelter for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder. This rule also applies to indoor pools, despite fewer documented deaths.

14. Do Not Seek Shelter in Open or Incomplete Structures
Avoid taking cover under open sheds, gazebos, or partially covered areas. These structures do not provide adequate protection from lightning. A car with a solid metal roof is a safer option if you cannot reach a fully enclosed building.

15. Do Not Go Outside Immediately After Thunder
Wait at least 30 minutes after seeing the last lightning flash or hearing the final clap of thunder before returning outdoors. Lightning can strike even when the storm seems to have passed, and this rule applies to all outdoor and indoor activities you paused during the storm.

Additional Advice:

• Keep a battery-powered weather radio or a mobile app to receive storm alerts.

• Avoid touching plumbing, metal railings, and other conductive surfaces indoors during storms.

• Teach children and family members about lightning safety to ensure everyone knows how to respond during sudden storms.

By following these guidelines carefully, you can greatly reduce the risk of lightning-related injuries and protect yourself and your loved ones during thunderstorms.