Which of the following is NOT a safe location during a lightning event?

• A. Fully enclosed buildings with wiring and plumbing
• B. Fully enclosed metal vehicles
• C. Open areas
• D. Large bodies of water

Answer: (C)

Lightning safety hinges on getting to a place that can shield you from the strike and from the dangerous currents that follow. In an open area there is nothing tall or conductive nearby to intercept the lightning or to divert current away from you, so you’re the tallest target and most exposed to a direct strike or to ground current spreading through the ground. By contrast, a fully enclosed building with wiring and plumbing gives a grounded, protective enclosure that helps keep current away from occupants, and a fully enclosed metal vehicle can act like a Faraday cage, keeping you safe inside as long as you avoid touching conductive parts. Large bodies of water are also risky because electricity moves readily through water, increasing the danger to anyone on or near the surface. So open areas stand out as not safe because they lack shelter and expose you to direct strike and ground-current effects. Seek substantial shelter as soon as you can.