⚡ Lightning Strike Safety: What to Do & What Not to Do

✅ What TO DO

1. Seek Shelter Immediately

   • Go indoors: A house, office, or other fully enclosed building is safest.

   • If no buildings are available, get into a hard-topped metal vehicle (keep windows closed).

2. Stay Indoors During a Storm

   • Remain inside for at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap.

   • Avoid open doors, windows, and porches.

3. Use the 30-30 Rule

   • If the time between seeing lightning and hearing thunder is 30 seconds or less, the storm is close. Seek shelter immediately.

   • Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming outdoor activities.

4. Avoid Water

   • Don’t bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any contact with plumbing.

   • Lightning can travel through pipes and water.

5. Avoid Electrical Appliances

   • Stay away from TVs, computers, phones with cords, and other plugged-in devices.

❌ What NOT TO DO

1. Don’t Take Shelter Under Trees

   • Trees can attract lightning, and standing under one can be fatal (as shown in the Gurugram incident).

2. Don’t Lie Flat on the Ground

   • If caught outside with no shelter, crouch down low with feet together—not flat on the ground. Lying flat increases your contact with the ground and the chance of a ground current injury.

3. Don’t Stay in Open Fields or Hilltops

   • Move quickly to lower ground. Avoid ridges, hills, or flat open areas.

4. Don’t Touch Metal Objects

   • Stay away from fences, poles, bicycles, and other metal items, which conduct electricity.

5. Don’t Use Corded Phones

   • Use mobile phones or cordless phones if you need to call during a storm.

⚠️ If Someone Is Struck by Lightning:

• Call emergency services immediately.

• Lightning victims do not carry an electrical charge—it’s safe to touch and help them.

• Begin CPR or chest compressions if the person is unconscious and not breathing.