Personal safety takes top priority when lightning or thunder is in the area. Avoid standing under tall trees or power lines. Stay away from doors, windows, phones, electronic equipment, and plumbing. Get out of the water if you are boating or swimming. Find shelter inside a sturdy building, and do not resume outdoor activities until thirty minutes after the storm passes.

Property owners can proactively reduce the possibility of lightning damage. A professionally installed lightning protection system provides the best defense. These systems use lightning rods and exterior conductors to carry excess electric current away from the building and into the ground. Plug appliances and sensitive electronic equipment into UL-approved surge protectors to safeguard belongings from damage caused by power surges. Unplugging expensive electronics is also an option when lightning is nearby.