Which statement about identifying safe locations for lightning is true?

• A. Fully enclosed buildings with wiring and plumbing are safe
• B. Fully enclosed metal vehicles are unsafe
• C. Open areas are safe
• D. Tall trees are safe

Answer: (A)

The safest choice during lightning is to be inside a fully enclosed structure. Being indoors provides a barrier between you and the surrounding air where a direct strike could travel, and in a typical building the electrical and plumbing systems are designed to manage surges and keep occupants safer inside. The interior acts as a shield, and staying away from windows and conductive surfaces (like metal fixtures and water pipes) further reduces risk. The other scenarios fail because open areas offer no protection from a nearby strike, tall trees can be struck and conduct or shed ground current, and while a fully enclosed metal vehicle can be safe with the windows up, the important point in this question is that a fully enclosed building is indeed a safe place.