When it's raining cats and dogs, play it safe and stay alert - be a weather watcher!

During very stormy weather, there may be lightning along with the wind and rain. Lightning can be very dangerous because it is a form of electricity. We must make sure we keep our families and ourselves safe from lightning. Here are some things to keep in mind when you see lightning or hear thunder.

• Always try to go indoors during a lightning storm.
• If you can't go indoors, get into a hardtop car (no convertibles).
• When inside, stay away from TVs, electrical appliances, bathtubs and sinks.
• Don't talk on the telephone or play on the computer.
• Never touch an electrical cord or outlet.

Tell How Far Away a Storm May Be

You can tell how far away a storm may be by counting the number of seconds between when you see a flash of lightning and when you hear the thunder. Divide the number of seconds by 5 to figure out the number of miles away. Remember, lightning strikes can occur miles ahead of the storm, so look for shelter whenever you see lightning or hear thunder.

Let's pretend you see a flash of lightning and count 10 seconds before you hear the thunder. Divide the 10 seconds by 5 (10/5=2). The storm is very close, only 2 miles away.

Lightning Likes Tall Things

Lightning likes tall things like trees. If you're caught outdoors in a thunderstorm, stay away from tall objects like telephone poles, posts, fences and trees. Even if it's raining, don't try to get shelter under a tree

Lightning is Beautiful

Lightning is a part of Mother Nature, and it can be very beautiful. You don't have to be afraid; you simply have to be prepared.

When you see flashes of lightning in the sky or hear thunder, it's time to become a weather watcher. Be wise when it comes to weather, and share what you know with your family and friends.

Protect Yourself, Protect Your Belongings

Lightning kills nearly 100 people every year in the United States, and injures hundreds of others. By taking simple steps in the event of a storm or severe weather, we can do our part to protect ourselves as well as our belongings.

Indoors

• Stand clear from windows, doors and electrical appliances.
• Never unplug appliances during a storm.
• Avoid contact with piping, including sinks, baths and faucets.
• Do not use the telephone, except for emergencies.

Outdoors

Look for shelter equipped with a lightning protection system like those found at golf courses, public parks and pools. If you can't find this type shelter, and you're caught outside and unprotected:

• Avoid areas that are higher than surrounding landscape.
• Keep away from metal objects, including bikes, golf carts, fencing, machinery, etc.
• Immediately get out and away from pools, lakes and other bodies of water.
• Spread out; don't stand in a crowd of people.
• If you feel a tingling sensation or your hair stands on end, lightning maybe about to strike. Immediately crouch down and cover your ears. Do not lie down or place your hands on the ground.