Lightning often strikes tall buildings.however,many buildings have lightning rods to protect them from lightning.when lightning strikes,the electricity goes safely down the metal rod to the ground.Benjamin Franklin,the American statesman,invented the lightning rod in 1760.That is why building like the Empire State Building in New York City are safe.Lightning may hit this building as many as twelve times in twenty minutes and as often as 500 times a year.Airplanes are not as easy to protect as buildings,and accidents do happen.In 1963,a Boeing 707 jet was hit by lightning and crashed.Eighty-one people died.
If you see thunder and lightning coming,here are some things you can do to protect yourself.Go inside a house,get into a car,or go under a bridge.If you cannot find shelter,go to the lowest point on the ground.If you are outside,remember that tress attract lightning,especially tall trees.Never go under a tall tree that stands alone.If you are in a field,drop to your knees,bend forward.and put your hands on your knees.Do not lie down because the wet ground can carry lightning.Stay away from a lake,an ocean,or any other water.Don't touch or go near anything metal,such as a metal fence,golf clubs,and bicycles,because metal attracts lightning very quickly.Don''t use a telephone except in an emergency.