Staying Safe During A Lightning Storm

(CBS4) MIAMI It was literally a bolt out of the blue that punched a hole in Tiger Woods's home last week, and you're hearing more about lightning strikes in South Florida almost on a daily basis because we're in the height of the summer storm season. You might think you know all the basics of staying safe during a lightning storm, but there might be several steps you don't know.

Fire safety experts say the safest place to be during a bad storm is still inside a building, but remember you also need to stay away from any electrical devices and stay off the home phone.

"Avoid using the telephone," said Lt. Shanti Hall. "Avoid using anything that uses the plumbing. For example don't take a shower, don't wash your hands. Just don't run water at all."

Another important safety tip is to stay off wet patios or driveways during bad weather. Electrical voltage can often travel through steel support rods built into concrete floors or walls. In fact, lightning can travel 10 miles or more by land after it strikes.

"Exterior concrete walls have metal running them, so you want to avoid contact with exterior concrete walls," Hall said.

The Miami-Dade Fire Department says smoldering attic fires caused by lightning can be silent killers long after the storm passes. And that's why they recommend smoke detectors near all your bedrooms.

"These are fires that people will never see until they've consumed large portions of the house in places they can't see," she said.

If you have to be outside as a storm approaches, there are personal lightning alarms to warn you about electrical activity in the area. Surge protectors can help protect sensitive electronics like computers and TV's from typical electrical surges but not a direct hit.