Before Lightning Strikes

Keep an eye on the sky. Look for darkening skies, flashes of light, or increasing wind. Listen for sounds of thunder.
If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning. Go to a safe shelter immediately.
Monitor weather forecasts.

When a Storm Approaches

Find shelter in a building or car. Keep car windows closed.
Avoid telephone lines, metal pipes, the telephone and electrical appliances.
Avoid taking a shower or a bath or running water for any other purpose.
Turn off the air conditioner. Power surges from lightning can over load the compressor, resulting in a costly repair job.
Draw blinds and shades over windows. If windows break due to objects blown by the wind, the shades will prevent glass from shattering in your home.

If Caught Outside

If you are in the woods, take shelter under shorter trees.
If you are boating or swimming, get to land and find the nearest shelter immediately.
Go to a low-lying, open place away from trees, poles or metal objects. Make sure the place you pick is not prone to flooding.
Squat low to the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible.

After the Storm Passes

If Someone is Struck by Lightning

People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely.
Call 9-1-1 immediately.
The injured person has received an electrical shock and may be burned, both where they were struck and where the electricity left their body. Check for burns in both places.
Give first aid. If breathing has stopped, begin rescue breathing. If the heart has stopped beating, a trained person should give CPR.