If you hear thunder while outdoors in Singapore, stop the activity and get into a substantial enclosed building or an enclosed hard-top vehicle. If you are swimming, leave the water and go indoors. Keep away from exposed ground, isolated tall trees and open-sided shelters such as tents. SCDF Emergency Handbook MSS lightning safety guide CDC lightning first-aid guidance
Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before resuming an outdoor activity. If thunder starts again, count from the new last sound. Follow any instructions from the school, lifeguard or venue about when the area will reopen. MSS lightning safety guide
- Hear thunder? Move to enclosed shelter immediately.
- Stay clear of water, tall isolated trees and open-sided shelters.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder and follow venue instructions.
On this page
- Choose a shelter you can reach safely
- Use alerts to plan the route, then act on thunder
- If someone is struck by lightning
- Frequently asked questions
Choose a shelter you can reach safely
In a park, look for a substantial enclosed building you can enter. At a school field or swimming complex, follow staff to the indoor area they have designated. If a hard-top vehicle is the nearest suitable shelter, get inside and close the windows. An umbrella or open-sided shelter leaves you exposed. SCDF Emergency Handbook CDC lightning first-aid guidance
Make the decision while the route is still clear. A student on a bicycle should get off and seek shelter. If you supervise children, send the group to one named place and count everyone there. Leave sports equipment behind if packing it would delay the move. SCDF Emergency Handbook
Use alerts to plan the route, then act on thunder
The Meteorological Service Singapore’s Lightning Information Service shows detected strikes and a thundery-showers forecast layer. Check the map before a trip or activity and choose a route with reachable shelter. Detection and display have limitations. If you hear thunder, head indoors without waiting for a marker to appear. MSS Lightning Information Service MSS lightning safety guide
An after-school example
A class is about to leave a sports hall when thunder sounds. The coach keeps the students inside and tells parents that pickup will be from the sheltered meeting point. One adult confirms the route before the group moves. Parents know where the students are, and the children can stay together without crossing the field.
If someone is struck by lightning
Call 995 immediately and give the nearest entrance, field, trail marker or address. Say how many people are hurt and whether they respond or breathe normally. Stay aware of the continuing lightning danger. Once you can safely approach, follow the dispatcher’s first-aid instructions. A person struck by lightning carries no residual electrical charge. SCDF Emergency Handbook CDC lightning first-aid guidance
If someone else can help, have them meet responders at the entrance and direct them to the casualty. If a dispatcher asks for an AED, give that job to another person who can reach it safely. CDC lightning first-aid guidance
Frequently asked questions
Does rain have to be falling where I am?
Lightning can occur away from the rain. Hearing thunder is enough reason to head to suitable shelter. MSS lightning safety guide
Can I leave when the rain eases?
Use the last thunder to time the wait. Stay in shelter for at least 30 minutes after it, and follow any further instructions from the venue. MSS lightning safety guide
What should a child tell a parent?
Give the name of the indoor shelter, the adult or group they are with and any change to the pickup point.
Sources
- SCDF Emergency Handbook
- MSS lightning safety guide
- MSS Lightning Information Service
- CDC lightning first-aid guidance