What should I do if I hear the Lightning Prediction System alarm?

Lightning Prediction Systems use atmospheric electrostatic analysis to provide early warning when conditions indicate the potential for lightning strikes within a defined radius.

When you hear the lightning Protection System alarm you should immediately take shelter in a building or vehicle. Do not call 911 unless you have an emergency. The alarm sound is generally one 15 second long audible blast and is accompanied by a strobe light. The alarm indicates, as an approximate, that there is potential for a lightning strike in the next 8-20 minutes. The area of coverage may vary but generally detections cover from 10-25 square miles.

When is it safe to go back outside?

When you hear three short horn blasts the lightning Protection System is indicating that it's safe to go outside according to its readings. This is the "all-clear" signal. This does not necessarily mean that it's safe outside. Lightning Protection Systems only cover from 10-25 square miles. It has been reported that bolts of lightning can travel 25 miles or more. Also lightning Protection Systems do not warn you about potentially dangerous storm conditions such as hail or tornadoes. You will need to monitor your local weather station and use common sense before going back outside.

What should I do in a lightning storm if the lightning Protection System alarm does not sound?

Do not wait for the lightning Protection System alarm. It may have malfunctioned. Take shelter immediately. Avoid open ground, parking lots, elevated areas, water, trees, metal fences, power lines, under towers, and any overhead wires.

What is the best place to take shelter during a lightning storm?

The best place to take shelter during a lightning storm is within the interior of a large and completely enclosed building that has both plumbing and electrical. Good examples include a home or office building. A barn, storage shed, or other free-standing structure are better than standing out in the open, but will not shield you as well as a structure that has built-in plumbing or electrical systems. This is because electrical systems, wiring, plumbing, and the building's frame, work together to help form a protective shield against lightning. Some refer to this as taking advantage of the Faraday cage effect. In short, this means that a structure will disperse the electrical charge around the exterior, like a cage, generally not harming what exists on the interior. Follow these additional measures to ensure your safety from lightning while inside a building:

Is it safe to stay in a car when there is lightning?

Generally yes, but it depends on certain factors. A fiberglass framed car or convertible is not as safe as a sold metal framed car that will take better advantage of the Faraday cage effect. If feasible, seek better shelter only if your car does not appear to have a solid metal frame surrounding you. You also need to roll up the windows of your car and avoid touching any part of the car's metal frame. It's a good idea to keep your hands in your lap until the storm has passed. Of course this does not apply if you are the driver of a moving vehicle. You can seek a safe area to park your car such as at a rest stop. Many people have reported having their car struck by lightning, even while driving, and didn't sustain injury. There is a chance that your vehicle will sustain minor damage to the exterior and to the electrical system.

Is it safe to ride a bicycle, motorcycle, or golf cart when there is lightning? I heard that rubber tires on motorcycles, bicycles, golf carts and cars will insulate you from lightning.

This is a myth. Even thick rubber tires found on an automobile do not insulate you from lightning. Being completely enclosed, as previously described, helps keep you safe when there's lightning--like a substantial building, home, or solid-framed car. Under no circumstance should you ride a bicycle, motorcycle, or golf cart when there is lightning especially when much safer alternatives exist. The National lightning Safety Institute NLSI provides more information regarding vehicles and lightning.