The Office of Security and Emergency Preparedness has offered some lightning safety tips.
To prepare for lighting, keep the 30/30 lightning safety rule in mind: Go indoors if, after seeing lightning, you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder. The office also suggests making a thunderstorm plan.
• If a thunderstorm is likely in the area, postpone outdoor activities.
• Secure outdoor objects that could blow away or cause damage.
• Shutter windows and secure outside doors. If shutters are not available, close window blinds, shades or curtains.
• Avoid showering or bathing during a thunderstorm. Plumbing and bathroom fixtures can conduct electricity.
• Watch for darkening skies, lightning, increasing winds.
• Go quickly inside a home, building or hard top automobile, if possible.
A safe building is one that is fully enclosed with a roof, walls and floor, and has plumbing or wiring.
Unsafe buildings include car ports, open garages, covered patios, picnic shelters, beach pavilions, golf shelters, tents, baseball dugouts, sheds and greenhouses.
If shelter is not available, go to the lowest area nearby and make yourself the smallest target possible but do not lie flat on the ground.
