Home Safety Tips To Remember During A Lightning Storm

Thunder and lightning can appear seemingly out of nowhere in the hot summer months, and their effects can range from startling to downright terrifying. As soon as you hear thunder or see lightning, it’s always a good idea to head for shelter, as it’s safer indoors than outside. Once you're inside, there are several ways to enhance your safety and protect your home when lightning is nearby.

As soon as you see lightning, head indoors. Immediately close and lock all windows, and consider closing curtains or blinds. Avoid washing your hands, showering, or bathing when lightning is nearby, and ensure all electronics are unplugged. Don’t walk barefoot on concrete, and stay away from windows and glass doors. Listen to storm alerts and have flashlights and candles ready in case you lose power.

If you live in a region that’s known for lightning storms, then you must know how to prepare. These intense weather events can appear in an instant, leaving you minimal time to act. Instead of scrambling every time severe weather rolls into town, it’s better to be prepared with lightning-storm home-safety essentials. Keep reading to learn how to stay safe and protect your home during a lightning storm.

14 Tips To Stay Safe At Home During A Lightning Storm

1. Remain Indoors

When there’s a lightning storm headed your way, seek shelter indoors. You are safer inside during a thunderstorm and when you hear thunder and see lightning, go inside. While the odds of getting hit by lightning are low, they are much higher if you’re outdoors. Once you arrive home, you can start taking steps to secure the house and enhance your safety.

2. Shut And Lock Windows

Once inside, check that all your windows are closed and locked and entryways such as patio doors are closed as well.

Strong winds and heavy rain often accompany lightning storms. Seal your home as tightly as possible to reduce the risk of water leaking in or even flooding.

3. Don’t Shower Or Bathe

Lightning contains strong electrical currents that pass through water. If it directly strikes your home, electricity can travel through your plumbing and potentially electrocute you while you shower. Never take a shower or bath when there is lightning nearby. Instead, stay as dry as possible as the storm passes by and wait until it has cleared your area, and severe storm watches are no longer present.

4. Unplug Electronics

If a thunderstorm is rolling through your neighborhood, protect your electronics. A direct hit from a lightning bolt can cause a power surge throughout your home that can potentially fry many of your wall-plugged electronics, even if they are turned off. Unplug all your devices, including smartphones, televisions, computers, and other high-priced devices. Disconnecting them from the wall will eliminate the risk of electrical damage.

5. Stay Off Concrete

While most people associate water and metal with electrical shock, concrete is also a potential danger. Metal beams often keep concrete in place, and electricity can pass through them into the concrete. If you have concrete floors, avoid walking on them barefoot during an electrical storm. Instead, stick to a safer option, such as carpeting and surfaces with a protective layer.

6. Test Flashlights And Have Candles Ready

Power outages are very common during ta hunderstorm. Lightning can hit transformers and large trees, bringing down power lines that connect to your home. While some power issues resolve within minutes, others can take hours, or even days, to fix. Prepare alternative energy sources, especially lights, while you still have power. Get your flashlights and lanterns out of storage, and test them to confirm they work and the batteries are fresh. Prepare candles and candle holders, as it may be difficult to find them if the power goes out at night.

7. Wear Shoes With Rubber Soles

While you may live in a “shoes off” household, it’s always a good idea to wear sneakers or sandals with rubber soles. Walking around barefoot makes you more vulnerable to electric shock if lightning strikes your home. Shoes with rubber soles add an extra layer of protection against electric shock, allowing you to walk around your home and perform essential safety tasks without worrying about hidden electrical currents in the floor.

8. Keep Pets Safe

Animals are particularly vulnerable during storms. If your pet lives outdoors or spends a lot of time in the yard, bring it indoors during an electrical storm. They should be protected from heavy rain and lightning. Some pets, including dogs, are afraid of thunder. Consider putting your pet in a well-insulated room where it is safe from the loudest rumblings of thunder.

9. Avoid Washing Hands

While it’s easy to remember to avoid showering and bathing during a thunderstorm, it’s also important to avoid handwashing and turning on the faucet in general when there’s lightning nearby. In addition, avoid cooking, as it typically requires running water. Instead, eat ready-made foods and other items that don’t require water.

10. Monitor Pool And Outdoor Water Levels

If you own a pool, pay close attention to the water level. Lightning storms often come with intense rainfall and flash flooding. This can cause your pool to overflow, flooding your yard and potentially reaching your home. If you notice the water level rising rapidly, drain the pool to prevent flooding.

11. Use Surge Protectors

Surge protectors are a great way to protect your essential electronics during a lightning storm. If you live in a subtropical region like Florida, where thunderstorms are a part of everyday life in the summer months, then you should seriously consider investing in a surge protector. Keep in mind, however, that while they provide great protection against minor electrical surges, a direct hit on your home can still fry your electronics. It’s always best to unplug all your electronics during a storm.

12. Portable Chargers For Cell Phones

While you should never keep your phone plugged in during a lightning storm, it’s important to stay connected during extreme weather events. Always have at least one portable charger or power bank for these emergencies. Keep these devices charged, especially in the summer when these weather events are more common.

13. Stay Away From Windows And Glass Doors

If lightning hits your home or a nearby tree, it can cause glass to crack or shatter. Remain as far away from windows and glass doors as possible when there’s lightning nearby. You can also close your curtains or blinds to help prevent glass shards from flying in the unlikely event that a window shatters.

14. Listen To Local Storm Watches And Warnings

Once you’ve prepared your home for a storm and made yourself as safe as possible, listen to weather reports. You want to know if your area is under severe weather warnings. These reports inform you of flash flooding, power outages, and even tornado watches and warnings. Being informed allows you to make further emergency preparations as recommended by the weather service.

Wrapping Up Home Safety Tips To Remember During A Lightning Storm

Lightning storms are scary and dangerous. While there is no way to completely protect your home from these natural phenomena, there are many things you can do to keep you and your home safe. As soon as a lightning storm appears, head indoors and ensure all windows and doors are sealed. Unplug all electronics, and refrain from taking showers or washing hands.

Don't walk on concrete, and wear rubber-soled shoes throughout the storm. Ensure your pets are safe, and stay away from windows and glass doors during the storm. Prepare flashlights and candles, and keep a power bank handy.

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