Lightning Indoors: What to Pause Until the Storm Passes
Once thunder is heard, remain in substantial shelter and pause activities that connect you to wiring, plumbing, doors, windows, or outdoor spaces.
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A storm arrives while laundry is running, dishes are waiting, and someone is about to shower. This page helps the household decide which ordinary tasks can wait and where everyone should shelter until the all-clear window.
This page is about behavior after you have reached substantial shelter. Use the local forecast and the weather-radio setup guide to plan how the household will learn about a storm before it arrives.
When thunder is heard, move inside and wait
The National Weather Service advises moving to a substantial building or an enclosed hard-topped vehicle when thunder is heard, then staying in shelter for at least 30 minutes after the last thunder (NWS Lightning Tips). Do not treat a carport, open garage, covered patio, or pavilion as equivalent shelter (NWS Lightning Rules). Follow local alerts if they call for a longer shelter period.
The National Weather Service advises avoiding plumbing, corded phones and electrical equipment, windows, doors, and porches. During the storm, pause or avoid:
| Pause | Why this is included in the NWS guidance |
|---|---|
| Showering, bathing, washing dishes, or using sinks and faucets | Plumbing can conduct lightning current into a structure. |
| Corded phones and electrical equipment connected to outlets or outside wiring | Connected wiring can provide a path through the building. Use a cell or cordless phone if communication is needed. |
| Standing near exterior doors and windows, porches, balconies, or open garages | NWS advises avoiding these openings and spaces during lightning. |
| Leaning against concrete walls or lying on a concrete floor | Concrete may contain conductive reinforcing material. |
The table covers activities that can wait. Keep necessary communication on a cell or cordless phone, and choose an indoor place away from plumbing and exterior openings.
Avoid a risky last-minute unplugging task
The NWS advises unplugging equipment before a storm arrives if you plan to do so. Once thunder is heard, do not handle plugs, cords, or electrical equipment to unplug them. Follow the surge protector’s instructions; it does not guarantee protection from lightning damage.
Do not go outside to move patio items, adjust an antenna, check a roof, or retrieve a pet during the storm. Bring pets indoors before storms when possible, then keep them away from doors and exterior openings. If a pet is outdoors after thunder starts, wait for safe conditions and seek local responder guidance if the animal is in immediate danger.
Household lightning pause card
| Household member | Agreed indoor place | Cell/cordless contact option | Who checks alerts | Resume only after |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| At least 30 minutes after the last thunder and any longer local instruction |
Use this card to settle the household plan before a storm. It does not indicate when the weather is clear at a particular address; keep following current local alerts.
