It is storm season in Australia and, while being struck by lightning is considered a rare occurrence, there are several steps people can take to keep safe.
ABC science expert Dr Karl Kruszelnicki said there were roughly 100 lightning strikes every second around the world resulting in about 100 deaths per year.
He said the safest place to be during an electrical storm was indoors.
If you are indoors:
If you are indoors, the Bureau of Meteorology suggests unplugging appliances before the storm hits.
Dr Kruszelnicki said it was particularly important to stay away from telephones during a storm.
“If you have a landline phone connected by a wire to the exchange, lightning can hit anywhere along that line depending on how the wire travels (underground or overground),” Dr Kruszelnicki said.
“Telstra does warn there are cases where people have been harmed using a corded phone.
“You should switch off all your electrical appliances, even switch them off at the circuit board.”
The BOM also advises anyone indoors to close all of their windows and doors and to stay away from openings including as fire places.
Dr Kruszelnicki said the safest place to be was in the middle of the building.
“Sit or huddle in the middle of the room and enjoy the show,” he said.
The BOM and Dr Kruszelnicki also advised people not to take a bath because water and metal are electrical conductors.
If you are outside:
The BOM urges people to seek shelter in a vehicle or building if possible.
A man was killed and a woman injured while camping under a tree that was struck by lightning
A farmer from Fernleigh, about 80 kilometres south of Mt Warning, also reported losing five bullocks to a lightning strike in the storms that began on Monday night.
The BOM warns not to shelter under tall objects such as trees or poles.
Dr Kruszelnicki said if no safe shelter was available, people should curl into a ball in a standing position.