(HealthDayNews) -- If you're outdoors when lightning strikes, you should head directly to the nearest building or vehicle, advises the U.S. National Lightning Safety Institute.
If you are too far from safe shelter, you should:
- Crouch down. Put your feet together and place your hands over your ears to minimize hearing damage from thunder.
- Stay about 15 feet away from other people.
- Avoid water, high ground, open spaces, canopies and trees. Also avoid all metal objects, such as electric wires, fences, machinery, motors and power tools.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning strike before returning to your activities.
