20 Lightning Safety Quiz Questions and Answers

Question 1:
What should you do if you are caught outdoors during a thunderstorm?
A. Lie flat on the ground
B. Seek shelter in a building or hard-topped vehicle
C. Stand under a tall tree
D. Hold onto a metal fence
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Seeking shelter in a building or hard-topped vehicle protects you from direct lightning strikes and reduces the risk of ground current.

Question 2:
Is it safe to use a corded telephone during a thunderstorm?
A. Yes, it’s completely safe
B. No, avoid it and use a cordless or mobile phone instead
C. Yes, as long as you’re indoors
D. No, but it’s safe if the phone is unplugged
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Corded telephones can conduct electricity from lightning strikes, so using cordless or mobile phones is safer during storms.

Question 3:
Where is the safest place inside a home during a lightning storm?
A. Near a window
B. In the basement or a room with no windows
C. Under a metal roof
D. In the bathroom
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Basements or interior rooms without windows are safest because they are farther from potential entry points for lightning.

Question 4:
Should you shelter under a tree during a thunderstorm?
A. Yes, if it’s the only option
B. No, trees are frequent strike points
C. Yes, as long as it’s not tall
D. No, but only if it’s raining heavily
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Trees attract lightning due to their height, increasing the risk of a strike and potential injury from falling branches.

Question 5:
What is the best way to protect electronic devices during a thunderstorm?
A. Unplug them from the power source
B. Leave them plugged in but turned off
C. Cover them with a blanket
D. Use them as normal
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: Unplugging devices prevents damage from power surges caused by lightning strikes.

Question 6:
If you are in a group outdoors during a storm, what should you do?
A. Huddle together for warmth
B. Spread out to avoid group strikes
C. Stay close but avoid touching
D. Run in different directions
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Spreading out reduces the chance of multiple people being injured by a single lightning strike’s ground current.

Question 7:
Is it safe to swim in a pool during a thunderstorm?
A. Yes, if you’re a strong swimmer
B. No, get out of the water immediately
C. Yes, as long as it’s indoors
D. No, but only if lightning is visible
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Water conducts electricity well, making swimmers highly vulnerable to lightning strikes even from a distance.

Question 8:
What does the 30-30 rule for lightning safety mean?
A. Wait 30 minutes after thunder before going out
B. Count 30 seconds between lightning and thunder
C. Wait 30 seconds after rain stops
D. Seek shelter if thunder is heard within 30 miles
Correct Answer: A
Explanation: The 30-30 rule advises waiting at least 30 minutes after the last thunder to ensure the storm has passed and the risk is low.

Question 9:
Should you touch someone who has been struck by lightning?
A. No, they might be electrified
B. Yes, to check if they’re breathing
C. Yes, but only with gloves
D. No, call for help first
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Lightning strike victims carry no electrical charge, so it’s safe to provide immediate help, as they may need CPR or first aid.

Question 10:
Is wearing rubber-soled shoes effective protection against lightning?
A. Yes, rubber insulates from electricity
B. No, it provides little to no protection
C. Yes, if the shoes are new
D. No, but it helps if you’re indoors
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Rubber-soled shoes do not protect against lightning, as the electrical current can travel through the ground or other paths.

Question 11:
What should you do if you’re driving during a thunderstorm?
A. Stop the car and get out
B. Stay inside the vehicle with windows up
C. Open the windows for fresh air
D. Drive faster to outrun the storm
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: A hard-topped vehicle acts as a Faraday cage, directing lightning around the occupants if they stay inside.

Question 12:
Can you safely watch a thunderstorm from a porch?
A. Yes, as long as you’re not touching metal
B. No, go inside a fully enclosed building
C. Yes, if the porch has a roof
D. No, but only if it’s raining
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Porches are not fully enclosed, exposing you to side flashes or direct strikes, so indoor shelter is necessary.

Question 13:
What is a common myth about lightning safety?
A. Lightning never strikes the same place twice
B. Metal attracts lightning more than anything else
C. You can outrun lightning in a car
D. All of the above
Correct Answer: D
Explanation: These are myths; lightning can strike the same place repeatedly, metal doesn’t inherently attract it more, and cars provide protection but you can’t outrun storms.

Question 14:
If camping, where should you set up your tent for lightning safety?
A. On a high ridge for the view
B. In a low-lying area away from tall objects
C. Under a large tree for cover
D. On a hilltop
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Low-lying areas reduce exposure to strikes, as lightning tends to hit taller objects; avoid setting up near trees or high points.

Question 15:
Should you use plumbing fixtures like showers during a storm?
A. Yes, it’s safe indoors
B. No, avoid water and plumbing
C. Yes, if the water is turned off
D. No, but only if lightning is close
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Plumbing can conduct electricity from a lightning strike, so it’s best to avoid showers, sinks, and faucets during storms.

Question 16:
What is the first thing to do if someone is struck by lightning?
A. Move them to a hospital immediately
B. Call emergency services and start CPR if needed
C. Cover them with a blanket
D. Give them water
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Immediate medical attention is crucial; lightning victims may have cardiac arrest, so CPR can be life-saving until help arrives.

Question 17:
Is it okay to play golf during a thunderstorm if the course is open?
A. Yes, as long as you’re not using metal clubs
B. No, stop and seek shelter
C. Yes, if you stay low
D. No, but continue walking
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Golf courses have open spaces and metal equipment, making them high-risk areas; always prioritize seeking shelter over continuing play.

Question 18:
How can you estimate if lightning is getting closer?
A. By the sound of thunder
B. By counting seconds between lightning and thunder
C. By the color of the lightning
D. By the wind speed
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Divide the seconds between seeing lightning and hearing thunder by five to estimate miles; fewer seconds mean it’s getting closer.

Question 19:
Should you remove jewelry before a thunderstorm?
A. Yes, metal can attract lightning
B. No, it makes no difference
C. Yes, if it’s outdoors
D. No, but only if it’s small
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: Jewelry doesn’t attract lightning; the risk comes from being in an exposed area, not from wearing metal objects.

Question 20:
What is the most important rule for lightning safety overall?
A. Always carry an umbrella
B. When thunder roars, go indoors
C. Wear protective clothing
D. Stay hydrated
Correct Answer: B
Explanation: The simple motto “When thunder roars, go indoors” emphasizes seeking indoor shelter as soon as thunder is heard to minimize risks.