Finding Safety
About 10 percent of those struck by lightning die, according to the National Weather Service. This year, lightning has killed 13 people in the United States. Last year, it killed 26 people.
The weather service warns:
• If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you. Move immediately to a building or a metal-topped vehicle with windows up.
• Get off hills, mountain ridges or other elevated areas.
• Don't seek shelter under a tree or other tall objects.
• Get off and away from lakes, ponds and other bodies of water.
• If you can't find shelter, crouch down. Never lie flat on the ground.
