Can lightning hit you in a basement?

Small wooden, vinyl, or metal sheds provide no protection from lightning and should be avoided during thunderstorms. In general, a basement is a safe place to go during a thunderstorm.

What are some unsafe places to be at during a thunderstorm?

Be sure to avoid open structures such as porches, gazebos, baseball dugouts, and sports arenas. And stay away from open spaces such as golf courses, parks, playgrounds, ponds, lakes, swimming pools, and beaches. Do NOT lie on concrete floors during a thunderstorm. Also, avoid leaning on concrete walls.

What should you not do during a severe thunderstorm?

Safety precautions indoors

• Avoid contact with water during a thunderstorm. Do NOT bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm.
• Avoid using electronic equipment of all types.
• Avoid using corded phones.
• Avoid concrete floors and walls.

Are basements safe in a tornado?

Basement. If you have a basement or storm cellar, that may be the safest place to be in a tornado. Basements are underground and offer more protection than any other room in your home. Find a sturdy object to hide underneath, such as a workbench.

Where is the safest place to hide during a thunderstorm?

A car or other enclosed metal structure is the safest place to be in a thunderstorm. Failing that, a ditch, trench or group of shrubs of uniform height is better than nothing. Keep away from boundary areas between dissimilar terrain (water and land; rock and earth; trees and fields).

What do you do in a severe thunderstorm?

Stay Safe During Thunderstorms & Lightning

• When thunder roars, go indoors! Move from outdoors into a building or car with a roof.
• Pay attention to alerts and warnings.
• Avoid using electronic devices connected to an electrical outlet.
• Avoid running water.
• Turn Around. Don’t Drown! Do not drive through flooded roadways.

Are you safe in your house during a lightning storm?

Fact: A house is a safe place to be during a thunderstorm as long as you avoid anything that conducts electricity. This means staying off corded phones, electrical appliances, wires, TV cables, computers, plumbing, metal doors and windows. The presence of metal makes absolutely no difference on where lightning strikes.

What should you not do in a basement during a tornado?

In severe thunderstorms with high winds or a tornado risk, head to a windowless interior room or the basement, but don’t lean against concrete walls or lie on concrete floors. Most are reinforced by metal bars or webbing, notes the CDC, and lightning could travel through the metal and injure you.

Is it safe to sit on concrete during a thunderstorm?

Do NOT lie on concrete floors during a thunderstorm. Also, avoid leaning on concrete walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring. Even though your home is a safe shelter during a lightning storm, you may still be at risk. About one-third of lightning-strike injuries occur indoors.

What should you not do during a thunderstorm?

If you don’t make it to 30 before hearing the thunder, head indoors. Then stay indoors until 30 minutes after hearing the last boom of thunder. Avoid using corded phones and electronics such as computers or power tools. Electrical wires can conduct lightning. Don’t use your cell phone during a thunderstorm.

Is it safe to be inside during a lightning storm?

Even though your home is a safe shelter during a lightning storm, you may still be at risk. About one-third of lightning-strike injuries occur indoors. Here are some tips to keep safe and reduce your risk of being struck by lightning while indoors.