Lightning is 100 million volts of electricity that can leap as far as five miles away from a thunderstorm.

It kills about 100 people each year and injures hundreds more.

Here's how you can protect yourself:

* When you see lightning or hear thunder, get inside a car or building.

*Once inside, avoid using hand held electrical appliances or corded telephones because lightning's powerful surge of electricity can run through the wires.

*If trapped outside, don't be the tallest object. Find a low spot away from trees, fences and poles.

*Get out of and away from all water sources when a storm approaches.

*Stay off hilltops and out of open fields during storms. Golf courses and baseball fields are extremely dangerous places to be in a storm.

For more information, go to AEP SWEPCO.