National Lightning Safety Awareness Week 2021
The National Weather Service wants to build a Weather-Ready Nation where all are prepared for a variety of weather-related hazards. All thunderstorms share a dangerous threat: lightning. Lightning is unpredictable, occurring at any time and striking up to 10-15 miles away from the storm. Are you weather-ready? Now is the time to make sure you know how to stay safe when severe weather threatens. Therefore, the week of June 20th to 26th, 2021 has been designated National Lightning Safety Awareness Week.
Anytime the threat for severe weather exists, stay updated on the latest weather information by going to the National Weather Service Website, https://www.weather.gov or mobile.weather.gov, by tuning in to NOAA Weather Radio, or your local television and radio stations.
Here are some resources to learn more so you can stay safe.
- Lightning Safety brochure (PDF file)
- NOAA’s lightning website:
- NOAA’s Summer Safety website:
- National Lightning Safety Council (NLSC) National Lightning Safety Awareness Week
A few lightning myths and facts
Myth: If you are caught outside and can’t get into a substantial building or hard topped vehicle during a thunderstorm, you should crouch down to reduce your risk of being struck.
Fact: Crouching while outdoors doesn’t make you less of a target. However, crouching down low in a ball-like position with your head tucked and hands over your ears will minimize your contact with the ground. Never lie flat on the ground.
Myth: If it’s not raining or there aren’t clouds overhead, you’re safe from lightning.
Fact: Lightning often strikes more than three miles from the center of the thunderstorm, far outside the rain or thunderstorm cloud. “Bolts from the blue” can strike 10-15 miles from the thunderstorm.
Myth: Rubber tires on a car protect you from lightning by insulating you from the ground.
Fact: Most cars are safe from lightning, but it is the metal roof and metal sides that protect you, NOT the rubber tires. Remember, convertibles, motorcycles, bicycles, open-shelled outdoor recreational vehicles and cars with fiberglass shells offer no protection from lightning. When lightning strikes a vehicle, it goes through the metal frame into the ground. Don’t lean on doors during a thunderstorm.
Myth: If you are in a house, you are 100% safe from lightning.
Fact: A house is a safe place to be during a thunderstorm as long as you avoid anything that conducts electricity. Do not use or touch corded phones, electrical appliances, wires, TV cables, computers, plumbing, metal doors and metal framed windows.
Myth: Structures with metal, or metal on the body (such as jewelry, cell phones, and watches), attract lightning.
Fact: Height, pointy shape, and isolation are the main factors controlling where a lightning bolt will strike. The presence of metal makes absolutely no difference on where lightning strikes. Mountains are made of stone but get struck by lightning many times a year. When lightning threatens, take proper protective action immediately by seeking a safe shelter and don’t waste time removing metal. However, although metal does not attract lightning, it does conduct it so stay away from metal fences, railing, bleachers, and similar objects.