Stay Safe Indoors
A shelter is safer if it has plumbing and electrical wiring, but once inside, stay away from them. They keep you safe by directing any voltage from a lightning strike into the ground.
Lightning can travel long distances in phone and electrical wiring.
Stay off porches and balconies--windows and doors can provide the path
for a direct strike. Concrete floors in garages usually contain
wire mesh, which can spread a charge through the entire floor; for this
reason, don't lie on the floor. Concrete walls may contain metal
reinforcing bars. Avoid washers and dryers--they not only have
contacts with the plumbing and electrical systems, but also contain an
electrical path to the outside through the dryer vent.
Stay off corded
phones, computers and other electrical equipment or appliances (such as microwaves) that put you in direct
contact with electricity. Buy ground fault protectors (better yet,
unplug sensitive equipment). Stay away from metal plumbing
fixtures and avoid taking a bath or shower or using running water. Follow the 30-30 Rule on when to resume normal activity.
During a Power Outage: Use
flashlights instead of candles.
