The 30/30 rule is to go indoors if you can't count to 30 before hearing thunder and after seeing lightning, and stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
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ALBANY, GA --
As a part of severe weather awareness week, Thursday represents lightning safety day.
FOX 31 spoke to Jim Vaught, the Dougherty EMA Deputy Director, who says they like to follow what's called the 30/30 rule.
This rule is to go indoors if you can't count to 30 before hearing thunder and after seeing lightning, and stay indoors for 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
Vaught said many people don't realize just how dangerous lightning can be. He also said you should try to stay indoors until the thunderstorm is completely over, just to be on the safe side.
According to the National Weather Service, four people have died in the last five years in Georgia due to lightning strikes, with over 241 injuries reported across the United States in 2011.
For more on lightning safety and the medical symptoms of being struck by lightning, visit the National Weather Service's website on lightning safety.
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