Lightning Safety for You and Your Family
A short National Weather Service brochure on what to do when thunder is heard: where to take shelter, how long to wait before going back outside, and how to help someone struck by lightning. For families and outdoor activity leaders.
Source: NOAA / National Weather Service. Not endorsed by NOAA / National Weather Service or the U.S. Government.
Last checked against the source 2 October 2026
How to use this document
Who it's for: families, and anyone in charge of an outdoor game, camp or event.
How to read it: A short folded brochure. Avoid the lightning threat and What you might not know about lightning cover planning ahead and why to wait 30 minutes after the last thunder. Don't get caught outside covers what to do if you cannot reach a building or car. Organized outdoor activities is for coaches and leaders, and If someone is struck covers calling 911 and first aid.
Read alongside: Lightning Safety When Working Outdoors · Lightning Safety Tips and Resources
What's in it
- DON’T GET CAUGHT OUTSIDE
- IF SOMEONE IS STRUCK
- ORGANIZED OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
- WHEN THUNDER ROARS, GO INDOORS!
- WHAT YOU MIGHT NOT KNOW ABOUT LIGHTNING
- AVOID THE LIGHTNING THREAT
Take it with you
Free, no sign-up. This is the agency's own PDF, unaltered. It is offered in this one format only: converting it could change the text.
Reference like this, in your pocket, with no signal.
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