When thunderstorms approach there are some steps you should take to lower your chance of becoming a lightning strike statistic. These safety procedures are suggested by the National Weather Service:

    * When a thunderstorm threatens, get inside a home or large building, or inside an all-metal (not convertible) vehicle
    * Inside a home, avoid using the telephone, except for emergencies
    * If outside, with no time to reach a safe building or an automobile, follow these rules
    * Do not stand underneath a natural lighting rod such as a tall, isolated tree
    * Avoid projecting above the surrounding landscape as you would do if you were standing on a hilltop, in an open field, on the beach, or fishing from a small boat
    * Get out of and away from open water
    * Get away from tractors and other metal farm equipment
    * Get off of and away from motorcycles, scooters, golf carts and bicycles. Put down golf clubs.
    * Stay away from wire fences, clotheslines, metal pipes, rails and other metallic paths which could carry lightning to you from some distance away.
    * Avoid standing in small isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.
    * In a forest, seek shelter in a low area under a thick growth of small trees. In open areas, go to a low place such as a ravine or a valley. Be alert for flash floods.
    * If you're hopelessly isolated in a level field of prairie and you feel your hair stand on end - indicating that lightning is about to strike - drop to your knees and bend forward putting your hands on your knees. Do not lie flat on the ground.