In Case of an Electrical Emergency Electrical Safety-SMART! Home

Lightning

If a storm is coming or under way, stay indoors. Lightning can travel through wires and pipes, so keep away from windows, wiring, and plumbing. Stay indoors for 30 minutes or more after you hear the last thunder.

If you are outside when a storm comes, go indoors. You are safest in an enclosed building.

If you can't get indoors:

• Get into a hardtop car, not an open vehicle. Close the windows.
• Avoid trees, tall objects, and anything metal, such as flagpoles, metal bleachers, golf clubs, tall light poles, etc.
• Avoid rivers, lakes, and swimming pools. If you are boating, head to shore.
• Avoid wide-open areas, including sports fields.
• If you can't avoid an open area, crouch low to the ground in a ball-like position with your feet, heels and knees together. Keep your head tucked and your hands over your ears.