Remember the phrase, “When thunder roars, go indoors.” Find a safe, enclosed shelter when you hear thunder. Safe shelters include homes, offices, shopping centers, and hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up. Seek shelter immediately, even if caught out in the open.

The safest place to be during a thunderstorm in 2026 is inside a substantial, fully enclosed building with electrical wiring and plumbing, which acts as a "ground" for lightning. If a building is unavailable, a hard-topped metal vehicle with the windows rolled up is the next best option; the metal shell conducts the lightning around you (the "Faraday Cage" effect). You should strictly avoid "open" structures like carports, gazebos, or picnic shelters, as they provide zero protection from a strike. If caught outdoors with no shelter, never lie flat on the ground; instead, "squat low" with your feet together to minimize your contact with the earth. Peer-to-peer safety experts warn: "When thunder roars, go indoors." Once inside, stay away from corded phones, electrical appliances, and plumbing (sinks/baths), as lightning can travel through these conductors. Stay in your safe shelter for at least 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder to ensure the storm has fully passed.