Lightning kills, safety shields Published April 16, 2007 81st Training Wing Public Affairs KEESLER AIR FORCE BASE, Miss. -- More than 100 people die each year in the U.S. from lightning, with almost 75 percent of the deaths occurring in the summer. To avoid being hit by lightning during a thunderstorm, the National Weather Service recommends: Follow the "30-30" rule -- take shelter immediately when the flash-to-bang interval (time between lightning and thunder) is less than 30 seconds, which means the lightning is within six miles. Then wait 30 minutes after the last thunderclap or flash before going outside. Stay indoors and away from windows. Unplug televisions, computers and other appliances. If you're far from a building, -- hop into a non-convertible automobile and avoid contact with anything metal in the vehicle. Hang up the telephone -- unless it's an emergency. Don't be the tallest object in the area -- don't stand on a hilltop, in an open field or on the beach. Steer clear of open water -- better yet, stay out of water, which is an excellent conductor of electricity. Even indoors, don't take a bath or a shower until the storm has passed. Don't hold metal objects like golf clubs -- metal is another good conductor of electricity. Stay off railroad tracks, which can carry lightning charges for long distances. Never stand under a natural lightning rod, -- like a tall, isolated tree in an open area. Likewise, avoid poles, antennae and towers. Most lightning victims are killed while seeking shelter under a tree.