We can save many lives from this unexpected danger just following some tips given by experts in National Weather Service of the USA. And we have to broadcast the tips regularly in the electronic and broadcast media during this stormy season.

Here are some tips to protect ourselves from the threat of lightning strike:

When one can hear thunder, he or she is close enough to be struck (by lightning), then one should take shelter indoors in a house, building or other solid structure. Small sheds or picnic shelters, for example, aren't a safe idea.

Every effort should be made to get indoors. If that isn't possible, a vehicle is the next safest place. Because, the lightning travels through the metal of the car and go into the ground, we should not touch any metal part of the car.

Being outdoors is the least safe place to be in a storm, but if we have no other option, we must try to get as low as we can, minimising the contact area with the ground. To do this, we need to crouch down on the feet.

If we're in a wooded area, we need to stay near smaller trees and avoiding tall, lone trees. Standing underneath a tree which is kind of on its own, that's like standing next to a lightning rod.

Lightning rods, however, can be effective if they are properly grounded with wire that will carry the electrical charge deep into the ground, away from a house.

Once a storm has passed, lightning can still strike; one should stay inside until the thunder is not heard for about 30 minutes.

Summer is the peak season for lightning-related injuries and deaths. For more information and safety tips, visit www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.