It's that time of year when weather patterns can and do change quickly, so now is a good time to brush up on Lightning Safety by reading this lightning safety bulletin.
Lightning can strike 10 miles away from the thunderstorm, the National Weather Service advises, "when thunder roars, go indoors." If shelter indoors or in a hardtop vehicle is unavailable and you experience tingling or hair raising, you should crouch down on the balls of your feet to minimize your contact with the ground. Please your hands over your ears and your head between your knees.
DO NOT:
-Lie flat on the ground.
-Stand under a tree or other tall objects.
-Stand near water.
-Stand with a group, you should spread out.
Source: NFPA.org; NOAA.gov; Weather.gov
You can read more on NFPA.org, NOAA.gov, or Weather.gov or you can follow the advice of one famous British golfer once suggested..."If you see Lightning, just hold up your 1 iron, even God can't hit a 1 iron" although I would not recommend this strategy!