Lightning Safety
Historically, August is Tucson’s worst month when it comes to lightning
strikes because of the monsoon season. Here are some simple precautions
you can take to help keep your family safe.
Stay Alert
- Monitor weather conditions regularly with a special weather radio or AM/FM radio.
- Recognize the signs of an oncoming thunder and lightning storm - towering clouds with a "cauliflower" shape, dark skies, distant rumbles of thunder, flashes of lightning. Don’t wait for lightning to strike before taking cover
Seek Shelter
- Look for a large, enclosed building when a thunder or lightning storm threatens.
- If you are in a car with a hard top, stay inside, keep the windows rolled up.
- Avoid small sheds and partial shelters, like pavilions.
- Stay at least a few feet away from open windows, sinks, toilets, tubs, showers, electric boxes and outlets, and appliances. Lightning can flow through these and "jump" to a person.
If you are caught outside: (If you are unable to reach a safe building or car.)
- If your skin tingles or your hair stands on the end, a lightning strike may be about to happen. Crouch down on the balls of your feet with your feet close together. Keep your hands on your knees and lower your head. Get as low as possible without touching your hands or knees to the ground. DO NOT LIE DOWN!
- If you are swimming, fishing or boating and there are clouds, dark skies, distant rumbles of thunder or flashes of lightning, get to land immediately and seek shelter.
- If you are in a boat and cannot get to shore, crouch down in the middle of the boat. Go below if possible.
- If you are on land, find a low spot away from trees, metal fences, pipes, tall or long objects.
- If you are in the woods, look for an area of shorter trees. Crouch down away from tree trunks.
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