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Lightning safety: What you need to know

A few simple steps can help you avoid being struck when a thunderstorm hits.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. — Summer in Florida means plenty of thunderstorms. Those weather patterns make Florida a hot spot for lightning, and it can put you at risk if you don't take the necessary steps to stay safe. We got another reminder about lightning safety over the weekend when two men were struck as they tried to leave Clearwater Beach during a storm. 

So, here are some of the basics of lightning and how you can protect yourself when a storm rolls through.

What is lightning?

While you have likely seen many lightning strikes, you might not know exactly how it happens. Lightning is basically the discharge of electricity from our atmosphere. It happens when positive and negative electrical charges attract strongly enough to discharge the energy. The National Severe Storms Laboratory says most lightning strikes start inside clouds, although it's difficult to figure out exactly how much energy is needed to produce a strike.

How can you get struck?

To make a long answer short, it's possible to get hit by lightning anytime it strikes while you're outside. It can even happen from miles away. The NSSL says thunder can be heard as far as 25 miles from the strike, and if you can hear the thunder, you can get hit by the lightning.

What can you do to avoid getting struck?

The simplest advice to follow is "when thunder roars, go indoors." Experts at Florida State University say it's best to go into a large building with electrical wiring and plumbing. But, you should avoid using electrical devices or running water as much as possible because you may be shocked if the electricity from the lightning comes through the wiring or pipes.

However, if you can't get indoors, there are some measures you can take to reduce your chances of a lightning strike.

  • Get into a car. A vehicle is the next best thing if a building is not available. That's because the electric current travels through the metal on the outside and through the wheels, which protects the interior.
  • Avoid tall objects. If there's nowhere else to go, you might think about taking cover under something like a tree. But that could actually increase your chances of being struck by lightning. You should avoid trees, towers, lights and poles. Lightning will often strike the tallest object in a given area.
  • Stay away from metal. This is why the inside of a car is safe, but not the outside. It's also best to stay away from fences, umbrellas made with metal or golf clubs.

RELATED: Police identify men struck by lightning on Clearwater Beach

RELATED: World Meteorological Organization confirms world’s longest lightning strike

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