As many golfers and other outdoors enthusiasts can attest, thunderstorms can often strike with little to no warning, especially during the warmer months of the year. The lightning strikes that accompany these thunderstorms pose a serious threat to people and safety. Knowing how to react to a sudden storm is critical to ensuring your safety in any situation when you may be caught unexpectedly. The following tips can help you stay safe when a storm does happen.
Find indoor shelter. Get inside the nearest available hard-topped vehicle or building, keeping all windows shut, and stay there for at least 30 minutes after the storm passes before returning outside. Avoid picnic tents, pavilions or other open, outdoor structures.
Get to low ground. Avoid hilltops and open areas. Lightning seeks the highest ground, so if indoor shelter is not available, crouching down in the nearest, lowest, unexposed point is a better bet.
Distance yourself from tall objects. Never stand near tall structures — particularly metal ones — which can act as lightning rods. Avoid lone trees, flagpoles, telephone poles, fences and antennas.
Do not forget, you can sign up to have local weather alerts letting you know when thunderstorms, hail and other severe weather events are expected in your area.
What if You are Caught Outdoors?