Choose the inside, not the porch
Stay away from open garages, balconies, exterior doors and windows. A garden shelter or doghouse does not provide the protection of a proper building. Bring pets indoors before the storm arrives.
Leave water and wired equipment alone
Postpone showers, baths and washing dishes. Lightning can travel through plumbing and wiring. Avoid touching corded appliances and connected cables. A mobile phone used on its battery does not have the same wired connection to the building.
Prepare before the storm
If you plan to unplug equipment, do it before thunderstorms are nearby. Do not handle plugs during the storm. Ordinary surge protectors are not a guarantee against lightning damage.
Make the plan easy to remember
Pick an indoor place in advance and tell everyone where it is. Keep official alerts available there. If a severe-weather warning gives additional shelter instructions, follow those too.
Sources & further reading
View the references for this guide
Editorial review: 24 September 2026. Map measurements are updated separately by the provider.