• Check the weather 24 hours in advance before heading outdoors. 
• If you see or hear lighting, seek shelter immediately. Lighting can strike as far as 10 miles away from the area where it is raining. Stay indoors at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder. 
• If outdoors, avoid water, high ground, open space and all metal objects. Seek shelter in a nearby building or enclosed vehicle with the windows completely shut. 
• If you are unable to seek shelter, find the lowest possible point and crouch down with your feet together. Stay at least 15 feet away from other people and seven feet away from tall structures such as trees or poles. This reduces the risk of the current traveling from person to person. 
• If indoors, stay away from doors and windows, avoid water, do not use the telephone, and turn off, unplug and stay away from electrical appliances, computers and TVs. 
• If someone has been struck, call 911 immediately and attempt CPR. It is safe to touch them as you cannot be electrocuted when administering first aid and CPR to a lightning strike victim.

Lightning strikes occur most frequently between mid-May and mid-August. Protect yourself and those around you this storm season by taking these simple, yet critical precautions.

MCG Health, Inc. (d/b/a MCGHealth) is a not-for-profit corporation operating the MCGHealth Medical Center, MCGHealth Children’s Medical Center, the Georgia Radiation Therapy Center, and related outpatient facilities and services throughout the state. For more information, please visit mcghealth.org.