Myth: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.
Fact: Lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially if it’s a tall, pointy, isolated object. The Empire State Building is hit nearly 100 times a year.
Myth: If outside in a thunderstorm, you should seek shelter under a tree to stay dry.
Fact: Being underneath a tree is the second leading cause of lightning casualties. Better to get wet than fried!
Myth: Rubber tires on a car protect you from lightning by insulating you from the ground.
Fact: Most cars are safe from lightning, but it is the metal roof and metal sides that protect you, NOT the rubber tires. Don’t lean on car doors during a storm.
The Forest Service also gives some last-resort risk reduction tips for those caught outside without safe shelter:
Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks.Never shelter under an isolated tree.Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter.Immediately get out and away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water.For other tips that may slightly reduce your risk, go to http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/safety.shtml.
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