National Weather Service United States Department of Commerce

Blacksburg, VA

Weather Forecast Office

Outdoor Activities: Lightning Safety and Preparedness

Weather.gov > Blacksburg, VA > Outdoor Activities: Lightning Safety and Preparedness

Lightning Infographics

Lightning Safety

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Lightning Safety Tips

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When Thunder Roars Go Indoors

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Lightning Camping Safety

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seguridad de tormentas en los lagos

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Safety Bullets

  • Check the forecast before your trip.
  • There is no 100% safe shelter outside. The only place of safety from lightning is inside a vehicle or a substantial, enclosed structure.. Do not take shelter in small sheds, under isolated trees, or in convertible automobiles. Stay away from tall objects such as towers, fences, telephone poles, and power lines.
  • If you can't get to a shelter, stay away from trees and get to the lowest elevation.
  • When thunder roars, you are in danger of being struck by lightning, so move to shelter.
  • Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges, or peaks.
  • Never shelter under an isolated tree.
  • Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter.
  • Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water.
  • If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find shelter immediately.
  • Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
  • Do not take a bath or shower during a thunderstorm.
  • Postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. This is your best way to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation.

Resource Materials

Downloadable .pdf

Click the link to download a .pdf version of this page - Lightning Safety.pdf

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