As I write this, there’s an incredible lightning show taking place outside. Every few seconds, flashes of silver slice through the massive thunderheads which are stacked along the horizon. It's gorgeous, thrilling, and, yes, dangerous.

The fact is, I should be much more careful during thunderstorms. I'm careless because being struck by lightning seems so random and unlikely, but I know it happens.

I've got a friend who’s been hit (he remembers nothing about it), another whose hair stood up on end when a bolt struck close to him (he's now totally vigilant during storms), and a third who has an uncle who was struck twice (I'm sad to say the second time was fatal).

The safest thing for me to do [1] would be to power down my computer, unplug it from the surge protector (which probably couldn't save it from a strike), and step away the windows. According to experts from National Severe Storms Laboratory [1], I should steer clear of any electronics and corded phones, and avoid bathing, showering, doing the dishes, or washing the laundry during a thunderstorm.

Honestly, the only time I’ve ever truly worried about lightning was during a hike in the Arizona desert, when my friends and I realized that we were a lot taller than the any of nearby boulders and cacti. We got spooked and raced back to the car as fast as we could.

Returning to the car was smart, but it wasn't because (as we all wrongly believed) the car's rubber tires offered any protection. Turns out that's one of the many myths [2] about lightning safety. Experts say that rubber tires are no match for lightning; the only reason that cars are safer is because of the metal roof and body. Convertibles, motorcycles, tractors, or fiberglass cars are not safe.

If you get stuck outside, you should -- as I'm sure you already know -- avoid water, open spaces, high ground, and any metal objects, including wire, fences, motors, machinery, or tools.

Buildings are safe, but not partial shelters or trees. If you can’t get to a building, don't stand under a tree. Instead, crouch into a squat – at least 15 feet from the next person -- cover your ears and put your feet together.

A few other myths [3] to be aware of:

• Metal (especially jewelry and watches) doesn't attract lightning, but it does conduct it. Beware of touching fences, railings, bleachers, and vehicles.
• It's safe to assist a lightning victim. You won't be electrocuted.
• Don't lie flat. Electrical currents can travel across the ground. It's safer to crouch.
• Oh, and yes. Lightning can -- and often does -- strike the same place twice.