Nothing ruins a summer cookout, dip in the pool, or camping trip like a thunderstorm ,If you are outdoors when a thunderstorm rolls up, it can be tempting to stall as long as possible before going indoors. But how do you know when it's time to stop what you're doing and head inside? Keep a lookout for certain signs; they'll warn you when it's time to seek shelter indoors and when lightningmay be about to strike.
Cloud-to-ground lightning is nearby if you notice one or more of these early signs. Seek shelter immediately to reduce the risk of lightning injury or even death.
At the first sign of approaching lightning, you should quickly seek shelter, ideally in an enclosed building or other structure, away from windows. If you're at home, you may want to retreat to a central room or closet. If you cannot find shelter inside, the next best option is a vehicle with all of the windows rolled up. If for whatever reason, you are stuck outside, you should make sure to stand away from trees and other tall objects. Keep away from water and anything that is wet, as water is a strong conductor of electricity.
When lightning strikes you or the area immediately nearby, you may experience one or more of these warning signs a few seconds beforehand.
If you notice any of these signs, it may be too late to avoid being struck and possibly injured or killed. However, if you find that you do have time to react, you should run as fast as you can to a safer location. Running limits the amount of time that both of your feet are on the ground at any given moment, reducing the threat from ground current (lightning that travels outward from the strike point along the ground surface).
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