Lightning storms are not an uncommon occurrence in our Hendersonville and Western North Carolina region. And while they can be very beautiful they can also be extremely dangerous and cause harm to people and property. In order to ensure your safety and the safety of your possessions, it is important to take the necessary precautions during a lightning storm.

Outdoor Safety Tips

The adage, “When thunder roars, go indoors” is exactly what you should do as a storm approaches. First seek shelter as quickly as possible. And when sheltering, avoid open structures that provide less protection such as gazebos, porches, or stadiums. And if you are on open water, return to shore as quickly as possible.

You can also find cover in cars, but avoid convertibles and other open vehicles. Contrary to popular belief, rubber-soled shoes and rubber tires provide no protection from lightning strikes. While it is true that most vehicles with metal tops and sides can offer some level of protection, it is important to note that being inside a vehicle does not provide complete safety during a lightning storm.

But what happens when you can’t easily find shelter? What’s the best thing to do in a worse-case scenario? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention provide some of the following tips:

    • Avoid higher ground, instead opt for lower terrain.
    • Avoid open space but be wary of taking shelter under isolated, tall trees. Taking cover under lower trees is a better option if you are in a forest.
    • If you find yourself sheltering on the ground, do not lie flat. Instead crouch down with your hands tucked so that you are low to the ground but with minimal contact.
    • Avoid bodies of water and structures that conduct electricity such as poles, fences, and metal sheds or silos.

Indoor Safety Tips

Seeking shelter indoors should be your “go-to” response when lightning storms approach. However, it's important to remember that one-third of lightning-strike injuries actually occur indoors. To reduce the risk of being struck by lightning while inside your home, there are several precautions you should take.

    •  Stay away from windows and doors. Lightning can travel through glass, so it's best to move to an interior room away from any potential hazards.
    • Avoid contact with plumbing and do not take a shower or bath during a storm. Water is a good conductor of electricity, so it's important to stay away from any activities that involve water.
    • Concrete walls and floors may also conduct electricity, so it's best to avoid contact with them as well. Use battery-powered flashlights instead of candles, as candles can be a fire hazard during a storm.

Protecting Your Electronics and Appliances

Lightning also poses a significant risk to electrical systems and can cause power surges that can damage your devices. A power surge is a sudden and brief increase in voltage that can damage or destroy electronic equipment. When lightning strikes a power line or utility pole, it can send a surge of electricity into homes and buildings through the electrical wiring. This surge can overwhelm the circuitry of electronics, leading to malfunctions or permanent damage.

One of the most important first steps is to unplug all electronic devices from their power sources. However, be sure to unplug before the storm is in your area. Touching cords during a storm risks electrocution if a surge occurs. This includes TVs, computers, gaming consoles, and any other electrical equipment, such as small kitchen appliances.

To protect your electronics from power surges caused by both internal and external voltage fluctuations you should consider using a combination of both individual outlet surge protectors and a whole house surge protector. The whole house surge protector is connected to the main electrical panel and helps divert excess voltage away from your electronic devices. Most but not all excessive voltage can be mitigated by whole house surge protectors. Surge protection power strips or a surge station offer the second level of protection, providing buffering at individual outlets. One thing to keep in mind is that individual outlet surge protectors should be replaced every two to three years, since their life expectancy can be affected by electrical fluctuations. If you have a security system, make sure it has surge protection to prevent damages from surges.

Nature is unpredictable. But by following these tips and taking the necessary precautions, you can significantly reduce the risk of being struck by lightning and protect yourself and your valuables from the potential dangers of a lightning storm.