Lightning Safety

When thunder roars, go indoors. If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. There is no place outside that is safe from a lightning strike. Remaining indoors for 30 minutes after seeing the last lightning and hearing the last thunder will eliminate the risk at the end of storms.
If fewer than 30 seconds elapse between the time you see a flash and hear the thunder, then the flash is less than 6 miles away. Research has shown that the most successive flashes are within 6 miles, which means that you should have reached a safe place if lightning is less than 6 miles away. However, lightning may strike up to 10 miles away from the parent storm.

Indoor Safety

• Never touch wiring during a thunderstorm. It's too late to unplug electronics if thunder is heard.
• Corded phones are dangerous during thunderstorms. Lightning traveling through telephone wires has killed people. Cell phone and cordless phones are safe.
• Wait to use any plumbing-sinks, showers, tubs, and toilets. Plumbing can conduct electricity from lightning strikes from outside.
• Unplug expensive electronics including TV, stereo, home entertainment centers, and computers modem lines when thunderstorms are expected, and before the storm arrives. Typically, summer thunderstorms form in the early to mid-afternoon, when most people are at work.
• Stop playing video games connected to the TV.

Outdoor Safety

No place outside is safe from lightning during a thunderstorm. When a storm approaches go to a nearby large substantial building or a fully-enclosed metal-topped vehicle. Bring pets indoors. Lightning and thunder are very scary for pets, and they are likely to panic or even run away to try and escape the storm.