In 2012 – 39 Deaths reported by Lightning in Sri Lanka- Prevention: Avoid Lightning

Lightning is near-instantaneous discharge of 200 million to a billion volts that accompanies thunderstorm activity. You can't outmaneuver a storm, so be alert and act early to seek shelter. Different forms of lightning.

1. Direct hit – most often occurs in the open.
2. Splash – occurs when lightning hits another object (tree, building). The current seeks the path of least resistance, and may "jump" to a human. Splashes may occur from person to person, or from a metal fence.
3. Contact – occurs when a person is holding onto a conductive material that is hit or splashed by lightning.
4. Step (stride) voltage (or "ground current") – occurs when lightning hits the ground or an object nearby. The current spreads like waves in a pond.

Avoid being struck by lightning.

1. Don't travel in times of high thunderstorm risk. Avoid being outdoors during a thunderstorm.
   • If you calculate that a nearby lightning strike is within 3 miles of your location, anticipate that the next strike will be in your immediate area.
2. Immediately seek shelter if a storm enters your area. Enter a hard-roofed auto or large building. Indoors, stay away from windows, open doors, fireplaces, and large metal fixtures.
   • Tents and convertible autos offer little or no protection.
3. Move off ridges and summits.
4. Avoid the tallest trees (stay at a distance from the tree at least equal to the tree's height) or hilltops. In the woods, shelter yourself in a stand of smaller trees.
5. Avoid clearings. In the open, crouch down or roll into a ball. Insulate yourself from grond current by crouching on a sleeping pad, backpack, or coiled rope.
6. Avoid tall objects, such as ski lifts and power lines. Do not carry a lightning rod, such as a fishing pole or golf club.
7. Get out of the water if you are in a boat or if you are swimming.
8. Stay in your car. If it is a convertible, huddle on the ground at least 50 yards from the vehicle.
9. Spread your group out so that everyone isn't struck by a single discharge.
10. If your hair stands on end, you hear high-pitched or crackling noises, or see a blue halo (St. Elmo's fire) around objects, there is electrical activity near you that precedes a lightning strike. If you can't get away from the area immediately, crouch down on the balls of your feet and keep your head down. Don't touch the ground with your hands.