Thunderstorms and Lightning
Thunderstorms are so common that people stop respecting them. Yet lightning kills and injures people every year, almost always outdoors: on football pitches, beaches, golf courses, mountains and lakes. Thunderstorms also bring hail, sudden strong winds and flash floods. The rule is short: when thunder roars, go indoors.
1. Before
- Check the forecast before outdoor activities, hikes, boat trips and events.
- If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck. Stop the activity and go to shelter.
- Safe shelter is an enclosed building, or a car with a metal roof and the windows closed. Tents, open shelters, bus stops and trees are not safe.
- Bring in or secure loose objects, and unplug sensitive electronics before the storm arrives.
2. During
Indoors
- Stay away from windows and doors.
- Do not use corded phones or devices plugged into the wall. Mobile phones and wireless devices are safe.
- Avoid showers, baths and washing up. Lightning can travel through plumbing.
If you are caught outdoors
- Get to a building or car as fast as you can. No place outside is safe.
- Get off peaks, ridges and open fields. Get out of and away from water.
- Never shelter under a lone tree. Stay away from masts, fences and metal objects.
- In a group, spread out.
- In a forest, stay among lower trees.
If someone is struck
- Call 112 (or 911). People struck by lightning carry no electric charge and are safe to touch.
- Start CPR if they are not breathing, and use a defibrillator if one is available.
3. After
- Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back outside.
- Stay away from fallen power lines and flooded roads. See Floods.
- Check for damage to the roof and electrical equipment.
Quick checklist
- Forecast checked before outdoor plans
- Nearest safe shelter known
- Electronics unplugged
- 30-minute rule known by the whole family
- Flashlight ready for a power outage
See also Storms and extreme weather, Tornadoes and all risks.
Sources
Educational material. Always follow instructions from your local authorities. Last reviewed: November 2026.