The following discussion and 11 safety procedures to follow are from the Southeast Regional Climate Center. http://www.sercc.com/about/lightning_pub.html

It should be remembered that in spite of the frequency of thunderstorms in the Southeast, all thunderstorms are dangerous. Every thunderstorm produces lightning which kills more people each year than tornadoes. It is important, therefore, that each person be well-informed on lightning safety procedures.

There are many misconceptions concerning lightning. Most people believe that if they are outside the thunderstorm rain area, they are not at risk from lightning. This is not true. Lightning often strikes outside the heavy rain area and may occur several miles away from any rainfall.

Another common, but incorrect, belief is that the rubber tires on a car or the rubber soles of shoes protect the wearer from being struck by lightning. Due to the extremely high voltage associated with lightning, rubber soles or rubber tires provide little or no lightning protection. It is true that inside a steel-framed car with a metal top is a much safer place to be than outside the car, providing the person(s) inside is not touching any metal. The metal exterior of the car provides a path for the lightning charge to flow to and from ground. The occupant may be injured if lightning strikes the car, but still has a much better chance of survival than if located outside the car.

The belief that a person struck by lightning carries an electrical charge and should not be touched is false. There is no lingering electrical charge after a lightning strike, and it is extremely important that the victim should be attended to immediately. If caught in an unfortunate situation such as this, it should be remembered that seconds save lives.

In order to provide the maximum protection from the lightning hazard, the following procedures are recommended:

1. Reschedule outdoor activities if thunderstorms are imminent. This is the best way to avoid being caught in a dangerous situation.

2. When thunder is heard, especially if the lightning strike is within three miles, the person should go to a safe shelter immediately. The adage "if you hear thunder you are close enough to the storm to be struck by lightning" has lots of merit.

3. One of the safest places from lightning is inside a sturdy building. A person should never take shelter in small sheds, nor under isolated trees.

4. If a sturdy building is not available, inside a hard-top car is relatively safe providing you are not touching metal. Open-top cars or convertibles offer no protection and should be avoided.

5. Get out of boats and away from water such as lakes and swimming pools. If you are in a boat on open water, you are the highest object in the immediate vicinity.

6. Remember that telephone lines and metal pipes can conduct electricity. Avoid using the telephone or any electrical appliance while a thunderstorm is in progress near you.

7. Do not touch metal objects such as fences, railroad tracks, golf clubs, aluminum baseball bats, bicycles, or umbrellas.

8. Do not take a bath or shower.

9. If caught outdoors and no shelter is nearby, find a low spot away from trees, fences, and poles. Do not stand under or near a lone tree. Stay clear of objects that stand out above their surroundings, such as flagpoles, hills, and rooftops.

10. If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees. Avoid isolated trees.

11. There are certain signs that may alert you that lightning is about to strike in your vicinity. Metal objects might begin to crackle or buzz indicating that there is an electrical charge buildup in your vicinity. If you feel your skin tingle, or your hair stand on end, squat low to the ground on the balls of your feet. Place your hands on your knees with your head between them. Make yourself the smallest target possible, and minimize your contact with the ground.

Perhaps one of the most important facts to remember is that lightning, although beautiful to watch from the distance, is a powerful natural force that should always be treated with respect.