Trees and tall, steel poles – the most likely places lightning will strike, you’ve been told. Since you were young, your mother, your uncle, and half of your neighbors warned you to get inside and avoid the dangers posed by incoming thunderstorms. Those folks were always a bit dramatic and overprotective, it seemed. However, it turns out, they had a point.

No surprise, lightning is hazardous and shouldn’t be taken lightly. As many as 100 people are killed each year by lightning while over 500 are injured. Being outdoors is the most dangerous place to be during an electrical storm. Lightning can strike sideways for up to 10 miles! And dry, blue skies are not necessarily a sign of safety. If you hear thunder, be prepared and, yes, take cover or get indoors like mama said. Keep these tips in mind to stay safe and protect your property during electrical storms:

• Once indoors, stay away from windows and doors.
• Do not use corded telephones, except for emergencies.
• Unplug electronic equipment (except those used for weather information) before the storm arrives and avoid contact with electrical equipment or cords during storms.
• Install surge protectors to provide greater protection for your appliances and help prevent damage from lightning. Turn off air conditioners and computers to protect them from power surges.
• Avoid contact with plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets. That means, avoid taking baths or showers during a storm.
• If outdoors, go to a low point. Lightning hits the tallest object. Get down if you are in an exposed area.
• Stay away from trees.
• Avoid metal. Don't hold metal items, including bats, golf clubs, fishing rods, tennis rackets or tools. Avoid metal sheds, clotheslines, poles and fences. If you feel a tingling sensation or your hair stands on end, lightning may be about to strike. Crouch down and cover your ears.
• Stay away from water. This includes pools, lakes, puddles and anything damp, such as wet poles or grass.
• Don't stand close to other people. Spread out.
• Don't forget your pets during thunderstorms. Doghouses are not lightning-safe. Dogs that are chained can easily fall victim to a lightning strike.
• Victims of lightning strikes should be given CPR, if necessary, and seek medical attention.
• After the storm, keep away from downed powerlines. Some energized wires spark and snap, while others do not, but both are dangerous.