The ‘30/30' rule for lightning safety could save your life. The first ‘30' means that you need to take cover if you hear thunder within 30 seconds of the lightning flash (‘flash to bang’ ratio). Then wait at least 30 minutes after the last lightning flash or thunder in order to resume normal activity - the “all clear” signal.

Lightning research has confirmed that consecutive lightning strikes can occur as much as six miles apart. People often do not perceive lightning to be close if it is two miles or more away, but the risk of the next strike being at your location may actually be very high. Many lightning casualties occur in the beginning as a thunderstorm approaches because people ignore these precursors. When thunderstorms are in the area but not overhead, the lightning threat can exist even if it is sunny at your location.