If you spend even a small part of your day working outdoors, you might want to consider this: a lightning strike can pack up to 40,000 amps and 100 million volts of electrical energy. That much energy can generate temperatures as high as 90,000 degrees Fahrenheit or 50,000 degrees Celsius. It can ignite fires, up through roofs and explode concrete or brick walls.
Lightning kills approximately 100 people every year in the United States. It injures hundreds of others and causes billions of dollars in property damage.
Despite the violent power of lightning, information may be the best protection from it. Many people are unaware that the most damaging lightning strikes occur when people least expect them...before the main body of a storm. The leading edge of a storm is the most dangerous, even though it may only appear as thin wispy clouds. Victims of lightning strikes often never even notice a cloud above them.
The best advice for avoiding lightning is to go inside a grounded building, before an electrical storm rolls in.
If you are in a vehicle, roll up the windows because glass is an electrical insulator.
Avoid metal objects and electrical equipment, including tools, wiring and outlets.
Avoid wet areas; they can become dangerous electrical conductors for a lightning strike.
Avoid elevated areas or objects; poles or trees are more likely to be struck by lightning.
At a construction site, the middle of a building is the safest place. Wearing rubber shoes is not adequate protection against lightning.
If you are working outdoors, find out whether or not there is a lightning warning system operating in the area. Some of these warning systems can provide up to 30 minutes advanced warning, more that enough time to seek appropriate shelter.
From SAF-T-NEWS, May 10th, 2002