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# Lightning: How do I stay safe?
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/lightning_0617110936/
- Published: 2011-06-17T22:33:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-15T13:18:14.000Z
- Description: Lightning safety guidance: seek a building with a roof, walls and a floor as soon as you see lightning, since wiring and plumbing usually carry the charge to ground. Every lightning victim needs a medical exam, and it is safe to touch someone who has been struck.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Environment, Health News, #vivvo-import

# Lightning Safety

Lightning has been seen in volcanic eruptions, extremely intense [forest fires](http://answers.usa.gov/system/selfservice.controller?CONFIGURATION=1000&PARTITION%5FID=1&CMD=VIEW%5FARTICLE&USERTYPE=1&LANGUAGE=en&COUNTRY=US&ARTICLE%5FID=10277&ref=foodconsumer.org), surface nuclear detonations, heavy [snowstorms](http://answers.usa.gov/system/selfservice.controller?CONFIGURATION=1000&PARTITION%5FID=1&CMD=VIEW%5FARTICLE&USERTYPE=1&LANGUAGE=en&COUNTRY=US&ARTICLE%5FID=10027&ref=foodconsumer.org), and in large [hurricanes](http://answers.usa.gov/system/selfservice.controller?CONFIGURATION=1000&PARTITION%5FID=1&CMD=VIEW%5FARTICLE&USERTYPE=1&LANGUAGE=en&COUNTRY=US&ARTICLE%5FID=10361&ref=foodconsumer.org). However, you can see it most often in[thunderstorms](http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/primer/tstorm/tst%5Fbasics.html?ref=foodconsumer.org). In fact, lightning (and the thunder that results) is what makes a thunderstorm. Lightning can occur from cloud-to-cloud, cloud-to-ground, cloud-to-air, or within a cloud.

Thunderstorms and lightning are most likely to develop on hot, humid days. If you see lightning, take protective action, such as seeking shelter, immediately. According to the [National Weather Service (NWS)](http://answers.usa.gov/system/selfservice.controller?CONFIGURATION=1000&PARTITION%5FID=1&CMD=VIEW%5FARTICLE&USERTYPE=1&LANGUAGE=en&COUNTRY=US&ARTICLE%5FID=9763&ref=foodconsumer.org), a safe building has a roof, walls, and a floor, such as a home, school, office building, or a shopping center. They provide safety because lightning will usually travel through the wiring or the plumbing into the ground. Additional [lightning safety tips](http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/lightning/lightning%5Fsafety.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org) are available from the NWS.

**Please note:** All [lightning victims](http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/medical.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org) should have a medical examination. Call the local emergency department for help. Get to the victim as quickly as possible; it is not dangerous to touch someone hit by lightning. Check for injuries, but do not move a suspected spinal injury victim.

Lightning Safety Awareness Week takes place annually in June. The week emphasizes indoor safety and outdoor risk reduction tips, lightning medical facts, and the science of lightning. In 2011, it will take place from June 19 through June 25.

**Additional Resources:**

- [Lightning Safety Website](http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/?ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [Lightning Lesson Plan](http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/lightning/lightning%5Fintro.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [Frequently Asked Lightning Questions](http://www.srh.noaa.gov/jetstream/lightning/lightning%5Ffaq.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [Guides, Presentations, Activities, and Resources for Teachers](http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/teachers.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA): Thunderstorms and Lightning](http://www.fema.gov/hazard/thunderstorm/?ref=foodconsumer.org) \- includes information on what to do [before](http://www.fema.gov/hazard/thunderstorm/th%5Fbefore.shtm?ref=foodconsumer.org), [during](http://www.fema.gov/hazard/thunderstorm/th%5Fduring.shtm?ref=foodconsumer.org), and [after a thunderstorm/lightning](http://www.fema.gov/hazard/thunderstorm/th%5Fafter.shtm?ref=foodconsumer.org).
- [FEMA: Lightning Safety for Kids](http://www.fema.gov/kids/sabrina.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [NWS: Lightning Safety for Kids](http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/kids.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org)

by usa.gov team