There are precautions you can take both indoors and outdoors to avoid lightning Lightning strikes the Earth about 100 times each minute, killing five to 10 Australians a year and injuring about 100. It causes more deaths than almost any other natural hazard in Australia. Most lightning injuries happen to people on the phone. If you're inside during a thunderstorm, avoid using the phone, keep clear of windows, electrical appliances and other metal fixtures such as the sink.
Lightning can strike the same place twice.
The 74m flag pole on Canberra's Parliament House is hit 20 to 30 times a year. Never shelter beneath a tree or small group of trees, open structures or fabric tents. Don't ride bikes, horses or in open vehicles, and don't do anything silly such as flying a kite, fishing or playing golf. If you're swimming or boating, leave the water and beach area immediately. If your hair stands on end and you hear a buzzing or see a blue glow from nearby rocks, fences and so on, move to a new area immediately.