When Thunder Roars Go Indoors

Clouds in the Colorado skies can be very dangerous.  Even though it may not be raining, lightning can strike.

Stay alert for clouds.  If you hear thunder, take safety measures.  Lightning can strike up to 10 miles from a cloud.

If you see lightning or hear thunder, seek shelter immediately inside a substantial building or in a hard-topped vehicle.

Trees and open-sided shelters are not save.

Avoid using electrical devices, including telephones, and avoid water, including within a building.

• If you plan to be outdoors... check the latest weather information. If thunderstorms are in the forecast... you may want to curtail outdoor activities.

• If you are outdoors and hear thunder... you should immediately get indoors into a substantial building... or get into any hard topped vehicle. Lightning can strike several miles away from the storm... where it is not raining and where you may be.

• In Colorado... lightning can occur with thunderstorms that produce little... if any... rain. Do not wait too long to take action. Deadly lightning can occur with all thunderstorms. Wait 30 minutes until the last rumble of thunder before resuming outdoor activities.

• If you are caught outdoors during a lightning storm... and there is no safe shelter nearby... there is not much you can do to reduce your risk of being struck by lightning. The best thing to do is find a low spot and stay away from trees. If you are in the mountains and are above timberline... go to a lower area. If you are below timberline... try to find an open area away from trees. If you are in an area of dense trees... do your best to stay away from the tallest trees.

• If you are in a group... stay apart. If someone is struck... others will be able to help the victim.

Remember... when thunder roars... go indoors.

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