A substantial enclosed building is one of the safest places during a thunderstorm, but going indoors does not make every indoor activity equally sensible. Lightning current can enter a building through electrical, communication or plumbing systems, or travel through the ground. While thunder is audible, reduce direct contact with those paths and stay away from openings and outdoor areas.
This is general guidance, not information about a specific storm. Before and during severe weather, check your national weather service, Meteoalarm and instructions from local civil-protection authorities.
At the first thunder: go inside and bring everyone in
If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to require action. Bring people and pets indoors, close doors and windows, and leave terraces, balconies, open porches, rooftops and pools. An open shelter or pergola does not provide the protection of an enclosed building.
If you are still away from home, move to a substantial building or an enclosed hard-topped vehicle. Our guide to lightning safety outdoors explains which shelters are suitable. Do not wait for rain: lightning may occur beyond the most obvious precipitation area.
Water and plumbing: postpone showers and chores
During the storm, avoid showering, bathing, washing dishes by hand or staying in contact with taps and pipes. Water is not the only issue: metal pipes and the plumbing network can form part of a current's path. Waiting is a simple precaution.
You do not need to drain the house or shut off its water supply. The practical advice is to avoid touching showers, sinks, taps and plumbing while thunder continues. It is also reasonable to postpone manually loading or handling washing machines and dishwashers until the safety period has passed.
Plugs, computers and phones: avoid wired contact
Do not use corded telephones, mains-connected computers, power tools or equipment that keeps you in direct contact with an outlet. A mobile phone or tablet running on its battery does not create that wired path and can be used to check warnings or call the European emergency number 112.
If storms are forecast and have not yet arrived, sensitive equipment can be unplugged in advance in accordance with its manufacturer's instructions. Once the storm is overhead, do not move around handling plugs, extension leads or electrical panels. Surge protection can help with some disturbances, but it does not make touching connected equipment safe during nearby lightning.
Windows, doors, balconies and concrete
Stay away from exterior doors and windows, and do not step onto a balcony to watch or film lightning. Glass does not “attract” lightning, but an opening places you closer to the outside, and thunderstorms may also bring strong wind, hail and flying debris.
The US National Weather Service also advises against lying on concrete floors or leaning against concrete walls, as they may contain conducting reinforcement. In an ordinary home, choose a comfortable interior area away from large windows, plumbing and plugged-in equipment.
Can you watch television, cook or use the internet?
- Television and computer: avoid handling devices connected by cable while thunder is audible.
- Internet: a battery-powered device using wireless connectivity avoids direct contact with the electrical installation; do not charge it during the active storm.
- Cooking: avoid taps and plugged-in appliances. During severe weather, make official information the priority.
- Ventilation: keep outside doors and windows closed when gusts, hail or heavy rain are possible.
A lightning protection or surge-protection system does not remove the need for caution. Such systems reduce particular risks; they are not permission to ignore safety advice.
If the power fails or damage occurs
Use torches rather than candles to reduce fire risk. Do not touch fallen wires, wet outlets, damaged panels or objects in contact with a power line. If you smell burning or gas, see smoke, sparks or fire, move away without exposing yourself and call 112, following the operator's instructions.
Do not immediately go outside to inspect roofs, aerials, trees or solar panels. Electrical activity may continue, and damaged installations need professional assessment. If water has entered an area containing electricity, do not step into it or try to disconnect equipment from within the wet area.
When can you shower, go outside or reconnect equipment?
The end of the rain does not mean the electrical hazard has ended. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning to balconies, patios, showers, water-related chores or outdoor activities. If thunder is heard again, restart the waiting period.
Counting the seconds between lightning and thunder can estimate the distance to one discharge, but it cannot prove that going outside is safe. Read how to estimate thunderstorm distance and understand the method's limits.
If someone is struck by lightning
A lightning casualty does not retain an electrical charge and is safe to touch. Call 112, check whether the person responds and breathes, and follow the emergency operator's instructions. If they are not breathing normally, begin CPR if trained and use an automated external defibrillator if available.
Sources and scope
This guide was reviewed on 17 September 2026. It summarises safety advice and is not a current warning. It was checked against indoor-safety guidance from the National Weather Service and health information from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Always follow instructions from authorities in your location.