(File Photo)

Each year across Canada approximately ten people are killed, and more than one hundred injured by lightning strikes.  John-Paul Cragg is a Warning Preparedness Meteorologist with Environment Canada.

He says he believes a lot of people overlook lightning as something to be concerned about.

"We don't put out watches or warnings when lightning is the only threat," says Cragg. "So, we want people to be aware what the forecast is for that day, to check to see if there is a risk of thunderstorms for that day, and if there is a risk for thunderstorms, keep their eye on the sky and make sure that if there is lightning they go indoors and find safety."

Cragg explains a good saying to go by is; "When thunder roars, go indoors".

He adds once you hear thunder it's important to take shelter inside a safe location, a fully enclosed building, or all-metal automobile (not convertible top).  he advises to remain there for 30 minutes after the last rumble of thunder is heard before resuming your outdoor activities.

"Being the highest object in a field is a really bad place to be," says Cragg. "Lightning tends to strike the highest object, so you don't want to be in a field when lightning strikes, but you also don't want to be near trees. If a lightning bolt hits a tree, and you are standing underneath it, that charge can still hit you and cause injury."

Environment Canada issues severe thunderstorm watches and warnings for storms, however many lightning deaths and injuries are associated with smaller, local thunderstorms.

"Two-thirds of people who get struck by lightning get struck ahead or behind the storm itself," says Cragg. "As soon as you hear thunder, you can get hit by lightning.  Lightning can strike 16km away from the storm itself."

So, how about the biggest lightning myths?  Cragg has one in particular he would like to dispel.

"One of them is that lightning never strikes the same place twice.  That's false.  The CN Tower in Toronto gets struck many times each year."

For more information on lightning safety, how lightning works, and even if you can play electronic games during a lightning storm visit Environment Canada's Lightning in Canada website.