Thunder storms are commonplace in hot weather, although some parts of Canada rarely experience lightning during a storm. Lightning flashes occur about once every three seconds in Canada during the summer months. Most lightning activity is found in the provinces of Ontario, Saskatchewan and Alberta.

Up to a million times more powerful than household current, lightning bolts can be deadly. A lightning bolt can cause cardiac arrest when the current enters the body. It can also lead to organ damage and burns, sometimes with long-term effects such as memory loss, dizziness and other life-altering aliments. It is important to note that victims will not carry an electric charge and can be safely handled. Call 911. If breathing has stopped, administer mouth-to-mouth resuscitation or cardio-pulmonary resuscitation.

Although lightning claims about 2,000 lives worldwide each year, Canada has six or seven fatalities and 60 — 70 seriously injured people per year. Lightning can strike up to 16 kilometres from its source, so early precautions are crucial. If thunderstorms are in the forecast, re-assess your plans for outdoor activities.

Learn Environment Canada' s 30-30 rule: Take appropriate shelter when you can count 30 seconds or less between lightning and thunder. Remain sheltered for 30 minutes after the last thunder.

If You Can Go Indoors

• Seek shelter in a home or large building: stay away from windows, doors and chimneys.
• Don' t take a shower or a bath. Don' t use the phone or electrical appliances.
  

If You Are Caught Outdoors

• Seek shelter in a vehicle (except convertibles). Park off the road away from trees and power lines.
• Stay away from open fields.
• Maintain minimum contact with the ground. Crouch down low, but don' t lie down and put your hands over your ears to protect your hearing.
• If you are with a group of people, spread out.
• Stay away from water sources and tall objects: trees, hilltops, telephone poles, etc.
• Stay off and away from bicycles, ATVs, motorcycles, lawn mowers and tractors.
• Stay away from sheds, gazebos and small structures.
• Stay away from sources of metal such as metal fences.
• Remove metal objects off or away from your body including: electronic devices, metal jewelry, shoes with metal cleats, umbrellas, fishing rods, mobile phones, laptops, etc.

Caught in an open field? Find the lowest point in the field, perhaps a valley or ditch. Steer clear from any tall objects. Assume the position of crouching down in a ball with only your feet touching the ground and hands on the knees.

Caught Swimming or on a Boat? Head for shore and take shelter immediately. Crouch low in the boat.

Caught in the Woods? Stay away from isolated trees and the edge of the forest. Find the lowest growth of small trees or bushes to crouch down in and wait out the storm.

Escaping the rain from a storm under a tree is probably the worst thing you can do. Best to get wet and live to tell about it. Likewise, be wise...if a thunderstorm presents itself, postpone the golf game or baseball inning.

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