Thunderstorms are an extremely dangerous type of natural disaster. Many people consider thunder storms to be not but a "light show," when logically, being safe in a thunder storm is important. Thunderstorms can occur in many different parts of the world. Some places can see storms on a several times in each week, others only see storms a few times a year. All thunderstorms should not be treated as fun and games no matter where they occur.
If you want to be prepared for your area's next thunderstorm, you need to know when it's going to hit. The sooner you know about the thunder storm, the more time you will have to react to it. To get weather updates, check with your local weather station, or get updates online. A great site for local weather is The Weather Network. Weather services may classify storms as severe or non-severe. Some people believe that a non-severe thunder storm is not dangerous at all. Wrong! Non severe thunderstorms are very dangerous as well.
If you find your self caught in a thunderstorm while in your car, don't panic. You are safe in your car. Why? Lightning is electricity. Electricity is always trying to get to the ground, and so it will strike anything, such as a metal pole, that touches ground. In a car however, the rubber tires touch the ground. Rubber does not conduct electricity, so lightning will never strike a car. Just keep your windows rolled up, and don't let any sudden flashes of lightning scare you and thus degrade your driving skills.
If you are in your house when a lightning storm occurs, stay there. Lightning can strike your house, but you're still safer there than outside! Lightning cannot enter your house unless there are two windows open across from each other, so keep all windows closed. If you happen to find yourself outside when the lightning begins, go to the lowest dry area in site and stay there. Avoid going near trees.
Lightning may seem completely harmless, but it isn't. It is hot, and can contain millions of volts of electricity. Don't be fooled by people who tell you that it's rare to get struck by lightning either. In fact, lightning happens so quickly and so often, that you actually have a better chance of being struck by lightning than you do capturing it on film! Always be on the lookout, and never let your guard down. Lightning might be around the corner!
