Nature puts on a spectacular show during a midwest summer storm, but beneath that dramatic sky lies incredible danger. According to data from the National Weather Service, lightning strikes the United States approximately 25 million times every single year.
While many of us know the classic golden rule—When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!—there are still several dangerous misconceptions about what actually constitutes “safe shelter” when you are caught outdoors.
Common Outdoor Shelter Myths—Busted ❌
When a sudden thunderstorm rolls in while you are at a local park, out on the lake, or enjoying a backyard barbecue, your first instinct is usually to run to the nearest overhead cover. However, seeking shelter in the wrong place can put you at a massive disadvantage.
According to safety experts, the following common outdoor structures offer zero protection from a lightning strike:
- Tents: A camping tent provides no shield against electrical currents.
- Park Pavilions & Picnic Shelters: Because they are open-sided, they do not ground a lightning strike away from you.
- Sports Dugouts: Often constructed with metal components or left open, these are major hazard zones.
- Tall, Isolated Trees: Standing under a tree is actually the second leading cause of lightning casualties.
Where is it Safe to Go?
If you are caught outside and hear thunder, you need to act fast. There are only two truly safe locations to protect yourself from a strike:
- A fully enclosed, sturdy building with plumbing and electrical wiring (which naturally grounds the lightning if the structure is hit).
- A hard-to-topped metal vehicle. (Fun fact: It isn’t the rubber tires that protect you; it’s the metal roof and sides of the car directing the electrical current safely around the outside of the vehicle!).
If you cannot find immediate shelter, stay away from water, wet ropes, metal fences, and open fields.
Protecting Your Property This Storm Season
While personal safety is always the number one priority, 25 million annual strikes also pose a significant risk to your home, electronics, and property. Lightning can cause power surges that fry appliances, strike trees that damage roofs, or even spark localized fires.
Taking the time to install surge protectors, trim dead tree branches away from your roof, and review your home insurance policy can give you peace of mind before the next dark clouds roll in.