Lightning is amazing and there is something hypnotic about watching high winds whip the branches of trees. But these natural phenomena can pose a serious threat. Whether you're in your car, outdoors, or at home, there are things you can do to help protect yourself, your family, and your home.

In a car, take care not to touch the glass or metal elements of the car. Drive carefully to a place of shelter. Don't park under a tall tree or next to metal towers. If you can't reach the safety of a garage, consider pulling onto the shoulder of an underpass. Be sure to leave your emergency blinkers on to alert other drivers of your presence.

If you are outdoors, seek shelter if at all possible. However, what you might think of as a safe place could actually be more dangerous. Don't seek shelter under tall trees, as they can attract lightening; smaller trees can be a better choice. Avoid metal structures such as playground equipment or bleachers. The higher an object is located, the more likely it is to attract lightening, so seek lower ground that is not likely to flood.

If no shelter is available, try to make yourself as small of a target as possible by crouching down with your feet together, your head tucked to your knees and your hands covering your ears. Do not lie flat on the ground as this makes you a larger target.

If you are on a boat, get off the water and away from it as quickly as possible. Never go into the water when a thunderstorm threatens. If lightening struck the water while you were in it, you could pass out and drown.

At home, unplug unnecessary appliances. Do not use the telephone unless it is an emergency and avoid touching doorknobs and plugged in electric appliances. Do not take a bath or shower, and stay away from electrical and plumbing fixtures as much as possible. Turn off the air conditioner to avoid damage from a power surge. Closing curtains, blinds and shades helps reduce the risk of flying glass from high winds. There is no need to turn out lights however, as they have not be shown to attract lightening.

As soon as you hear thunder, you are at risk of a lightning strike. Sometimes you can tell if a strike is eminent by a tingling in your skin, your hair standing on end, or hearing an odd crackling sound. If any of these occur, assume the lightning crouch immediately if outdoors.

By taking precautions like these you can help avoid being a statistic. And better, appreciate the power of this natural weather event.