What to do in a lightning storm outdoors
When thunder roars, go indoors: if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck, and there is no safe place outside. Get into a solid building or a hard-topped car with the windows up. If you are caught out, leave peaks, ridges, open fields and water, avoid tall lone trees and metal, and keep moving toward shelter. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder.
About 10 minutes to learnTake care: injury or damage if careless
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How to do it
- Check the forecast before hiking, fishing or playing outside, and plan to be off high ground by early afternoon in storm season.
- Head for shelter as soon as you hear thunder or see lightning, even if it is not raining yet.
- Get inside an enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle with the windows closed.
- If you are in the open, get off peaks, ridges, open fields, beaches and the water right away.
- Stay away from tall isolated trees, poles, fences and other metal.
- In a group, spread out at least 50 feet apart so one strike cannot hit everyone.
- Keep moving to lower ground and shelter rather than stopping in the open.
- Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back out.
Stop and call a professional if
- Someone is struck: call 911 right away; it is safe to touch them, and if they are not breathing normally start CPR.
- Anyone near a strike feels numbness, confusion or burns: get medical care.
Common mistakes
- Sheltering under a lone tree.
- Staying on the water or the golf course to finish the round.
- Thinking you are safe in a tent, a picnic shelter or an open-sided pavilion.
- Going back out as soon as the rain stops.
Quick self-check
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Teach this to someone
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Teach: What to do in a lightning storm outdoors
What to say
When thunder roars, go indoors: if you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck, and there is no safe place outside. Get into a solid building or a hard-topped car with the windows up. If you are caught out, leave peaks, ridges, open fields and water, avoid tall lone trees and metal, and keep moving toward shelter. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder.
What to show, in order
- Check the forecast before hiking, fishing or playing outside, and plan to be off high ground by early afternoon in storm season.
- Head for shelter as soon as you hear thunder or see lightning, even if it is not raining yet.
- Get inside an enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle with the windows closed.
- If you are in the open, get off peaks, ridges, open fields, beaches and the water right away.
- Stay away from tall isolated trees, poles, fences and other metal.
- In a group, spread out at least 50 feet apart so one strike cannot hit everyone.
- Keep moving to lower ground and shelter rather than stopping in the open.
- Wait 30 minutes after the last thunder before going back out.
When to stop and call a professional
- Someone is struck: call 911 right away; it is safe to touch them, and if they are not breathing normally start CPR.
- Anyone near a strike feels numbness, confusion or burns: get medical care.
The check question
Ask: When should you head for shelter?
Related skills
- What to do if you get lost hiking
- How to do hands-only CPR
- Signs of hypothermia and how to warm someone
- Every skill in Outdoors
Words on this page
Sources
- National weather service lightning safety guidance, current edition. Checked September 28, 2026.
Last reviewed . First published .