Here’s a clear, practical checklist of thunderstorm safety rules—in English—for both at home and outdoors.

At home / indoors

• Stay inside until 30 minutes after the last thunder.

• Avoid plumbing: don’t shower, bathe, or wash dishes—water pipes can conduct electricity.

• Stay off corded electronics: don’t use corded phones, desktop PCs, or plug-in appliances. Use mobile devices on battery only.

• Unplug sensitive devices (TVs, computers, routers) if you can do so before the storm arrives; don’t touch plugs during the storm.

• Keep away from windows, doors, and porches. Draw curtains/blinds to reduce risk from shattered glass.

• Avoid concrete floors and walls; rebar inside concrete can conduct lightning.

• Use flashlights, not candles, during power outages to reduce fire risk.

• Prepare a small kit: flashlight, spare batteries, portable charger, first-aid supplies, bottled water, and a battery radio.

Outside / caught in the open

• Seek substantial shelter immediately: a fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing is best. Second best: a hard-top metal vehicle with doors closed.

• If no shelter is near, minimize risk:

  • Avoid high points (ridges, hilltops, open fields).

  • Stay away from isolated tall objects (single trees, light poles, flagpoles).

  • Spread out from others by several meters to reduce multiple injuries.

  • Move off and away from metal fences, rails, machinery, and equipment.

• Water is dangerous: get out of lakes, pools, beaches, and small boats immediately; stay off docks and piers.

• In forests: shelter among lower, dense trees; avoid the tallest tree.

• In open terrain: look for a low spot such as a ravine, but avoid areas that can flood. Do not lie flat on the ground.

• Bicycles, motorcycles, and scooters offer no protection. Dismount and seek proper shelter.

In a vehicle (hard-top car)

• Stay inside with windows up; don’t touch metal frames or plugged-in chargers.

• Park safely: avoid touching downed lines; don’t stop under trees.

What not to do (common myths)

• Don’t use the “lightning crouch” as a substitute for real shelter; it does not make you safe.

• Rubber shoes or tires do not protect you from lightning.

• Lightning can strike the same place twice; don’t rely on past strikes as guidance.

After the storm / additional hazards

• Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming outdoor activities.

• Watch for flash flooding: avoid walking or driving through flooded areas.

• Stay away from downed power lines and anything touching them; report them to authorities.

• Check for fire/smoke if your building was hit; call emergency services if needed.

First aid if someone is struck

• Call emergency services immediately.

• It’s safe to touch the person—they do not carry an electrical charge.

• Begin CPR/AED if the person is unresponsive or not breathing; prioritize airway and breathing.

• Treat for shock: keep them warm and still until help arrives; look for burns where electricity entered/exited.

Quick rule of thumb

• “When thunder roars, go indoors.”

• “Half an hour since thunder—then it’s safer.”