LIGHTNING MYTHS

MYTH: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.

FACT: Lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially if it's a tall, pointy, isolated object. The Empire State Building is hit nearly 100 times a year.

MYTH: If it's not raining or there aren't clouds overhead, you're definitely safe from lightning.

FACT: Lightning often strikes more than three miles from the center of the thunderstorm, far outside the rain or thunderstorm cloud. "Bolts from the blue" can strike 10 to 15 miles from the thunderstorm.
 
MYTH: If trapped outside with lightning, I should lie flat on the ground.

FACT: Lying flat increases your chance of being affected by a potentially deadly ground current. If caught outside, keep moving toward a safe shelter.

MYTH: A lightning victim is electrified. If you touch them, you'll be electrocuted.

FACT: The human body does not store electricity. It is perfectly safe to touch a lightning victim to give them first aid. -- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration