>It is important to find enclosed shelter during a lightning storm, especially if there are fewer than thirty seconds between seeing a flash of lightning and hearing the sound of thunder-that would be a clue that the lightning is within five miles of where you are standing.

>A safe building is big and tightly enclosed. Inside a building, keep away from telephones, plumbing fixtures, and appliances. A lightning storm can provide the perfect excuse to avoid taking a bath or washing dishes.

>If you find yourself stranded in an open area and unable to find shelter, keep low but do not lie down on the ground. Instead, stay crouched down over your knees with your feet together. Keep out of water, and do not stand under a tree. It is also important to avoid contact with anything made of metal, including jewelry.

>Keep at least twenty feet of distance between yourself and others, so that there would be less of a chance for lightning to strike more than one person at the same time. Cover your ears to help decrease the potentially harmful effects of acoustic shock.