Protect yourself from summer storms

A lightning strike can cause cardiac arrest and lead to organ damage and burns, sometimes with long-term effects. These can include memory loss, attention deficits, sleep disorders, numbness, dizziness, stiffness in joints, muscle spasms, and depression.

During the summer months, lightning flashes occur about once every three seconds in Canada. The region most at risk is southern Ontario, with Windsor receiving the highest number of strikes, followed by Toronto and Hamilton. In western Canada, lightning is the culprit for about half of all forest fires.

When lightning strikes

Lightning usually strikes higher ground and prominent objects, especially those that conduct electricity (which basically means anything made of metal). The general rule is that if you hear thunder, you're close enough to the storm to be at risk -- and should seek shelter.

One common mistake people make is to try to protect themselves from the heavy rain by huddling beneath a tree -- but if lightning strikes the tree, electricity will run down the trunk, through the roots and into the ground, causing a strong shock. Instead, seek shelter in a house, large building or motor vehicle, and keep the windows and doors shut.

Once inside, experts say to avoid using hard-wired electrical equipment including corded telephones and games such as PlayStation or X-box. (Cell phones, while unsafe outdoors, are okay to use indoors.) Don't take a bath or shower during a thunderstorm, and avoid concrete floors since they are typically reinforced with metal and carry an electrical charge. To make sure the storm has passed, wait at least 30 minutes after hearing the last strike before going out again.