Fort Myers Beach lightning death raises storm safety questions

FORT MYERS BEACH, Fla. (WINK) — A deadly lightning strike on Fort Myers Beach has sparked questions about how to stay safe during storms.

WINK News went to the National Weather Service to debunk common myths about lightning safety. Clear skies don't mean you're safe—lightning can strike 10 to 15 miles away from a storm.

Lying flat on the ground, a widely believed safety measure, actually increases your risk. Getting under a tree is also dangerous.

You are safer in your car during a lightning storm, but not because of the tires. The car's metal shell helps protect you, according to the National Weather Service.

READ MORE: Lightning has killed 5 people on SWFL beaches since 2006, what you should know

NOAA and the CDC say you should avoid plumbing and plugged-in electronics during a lightning storm. Metal objects are particularly dangerous because they conduct electricity.

"You want to avoid touching anything metal if you're stuck in a boat or near any kind of objects; you want to avoid touching the metal, because that is a conductor," a National Weather Service representative said. "Even if lightning doesn't directly strike that, the electricity could pass through that and into you."

The National Weather Service also recommends avoiding showers or baths during storms. Lightning can enter your home through plumbing.