Lightning
If you are indoors
- Stay well away from windows doors, chimneys, radiators, electrical appliances, metal pipes, telephone, fireplaces and anything that could conduct electricity, such as sinks, bathtubs and showers.
- Before a thunderstorm, unplug radios and televisions sets and any computers.
- Do not go outside to take in the laundry from the clothesline; it can conduct electricity.
- Avoid using telephones that have a landline connection.
If you are outdoors
- Take shelter immediately in a building or a low-lying piece of ground. NEVER shelter under a tree, and do not cycle or travel by motorcycle or golf cart.
- Avoid holding any object that conducts electricity, such as a shovel or golf club.
- Get to shore if you are in the water or in a boat.
- If you are in a car, stay inside it, but distance yourself from any trees. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before exiting the vehicle.
- If you are without shelter, do not lie down. Squat down and tuck your head down.
- In a forest, take shelter under dense vegetation made up of small trees or bushes.
- Be aware of the flash floods sometimes caused by heavy rains when you try to take shelter in a ditch or on low-lying terrain.
Persons hit by lightning do not carry an electrical charge; they can be touched without danger. However, victims may suffer from burns and shock and must receive medical care immediately. If you happen upon a person who has been struck by lightning, request medical assistance immediately and, if the person has stopped breathing, administer mouth-to-mouth or cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
To consult maps about the most recent lightning activity, go to the website Canadian Lightning Danger Map - Canada.
Torrential rain
- Avoid driving on flooded roads and passing under road bridges.
Snowstorm
- If you stop your car, stay inside.
- Keep your gas tank full and have a reserve supply of window-washing fluid and antifreeze.