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# What should I do if I see lightning?
- URL: https://www.foodconsumer.org/lightning_2206100735/
- Published: 2010-06-22T21:34:00.000Z
- Updated: 2026-09-22T16:07:16.000Z
- Description: Lightning strikes most often in thunderstorms, which build on hot, humid days. The National Weather Service advises moving into a building with a roof, walls and floor as soon as lightning is seen or heard, and says it is safe to touch and help a strike victim.
- Author: Food Consumer
- Tags: Environment, Health News, #vivvo-import

[Lightning](http://www.nssl.noaa.gov/primer/lightning/ltg%5Fbasics.html?ref=foodconsumer.org) has been seen in volcanic eruptions, extremely intense [forest fires](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=6807&p%5Fsid=A6hzB63k&p%5Flva=8151&ref=foodconsumer.org), surface nuclear detonations, heavy [snowstorms](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=6370&p%5Fsid=A6hzB63k&p%5Flva=8151&ref=foodconsumer.org), and in large [hurricanes](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=6932&p%5Fsid=A6hzB63k&p%5Flva=8151&ref=foodconsumer.org). However, it is most often seen 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 lightning is seen or heard, take protective action, such as seeking shelter, immediately. According to the [National Weather Service (NWS)](http://answers.usa.gov/cgi-bin/gsa%5Fict.cfg/php/enduser/std%5Fadp.php?p%5Ffaqid=5947&p%5Fsid=A6hzB63k&p%5Flva=8151&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, even if it does not appear to be needed. Call the local emergency department for help. Get to the victim as quickly as possible; it is not dangerous to touch someone who has just been hit by lightning. Check for injuries, but do not move a suspected spinal injury victim.

Lightning Safety Awareness Week is observed annually in June. The week emphasizes indoor safety and outdoor risk reduction tips, lightning medical facts, and the science of lightning. In 2010, it will take place from June 20 through June 26.

**Additional Resources:**

- [The NWS's Lightning Safety web page](http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/?ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [The NWS's 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)
- [The Federal Emergency Management Agency's (FEMA) Thunderstorms and Lightning web page](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's Lightning Safety for Kids web page](http://www.fema.gov/kids/sabrina.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org)
- [The NWS's Lightning Safety for Kids web page](http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/kids.htm?ref=foodconsumer.org)

by usa.gov team