Thunderstorms can be relaxing or scary depending on your perspective. On the one hand, the pounding rhythm of the rain can be quite calming, and a distant flash of lightning in the sky can be an amazing sight; however, if that bolt of lightening gets too close, it can be tragic.

When I was growing up, we would stay inside during thunderstorms. We often wouldn’t use much electricity either, just to play it safe. Candlelight and battery-operated lights were safer than anything connected with a wire. I never fully understood the reasoning for this as a child, but I’m pretty sure Shelby Klopf’s children will understand if she chooses not to use electricity during future thunderstorms.

Klopf is a 23-year-old mom of two little boys. On Wednesday, there was a big thunder and lightning storm in her hometown of Bellingham, Massachusetts. The boys were playing outside in the rain, but, thankfully, they came inside. Meanwhile, Klopf was working from home in her home office, which is an enclosed patio area.

Everything was fine until Klopf decided to turn on the light. She reached for the switch at just the wrong time. She recalls seeing a really bright light and being pushed backwards. Her family came running and found her screaming and unable to move. They took her to UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts.

Watch the video below to hear Klopf and her mom recount the story, and see the home office where Klopt was working when lightning struck.

We are definitely glad that Klopf seems to be recovering well and was able to return home fairly quickly. 

If you see lightning, here are some tips to keep you and your family safe. First of all, if you’re outside, go inside if at all possible. Stay away from anything electrical that is attached to the wall with a cord (like a computer, phone or television). Also, stay away from plumbing like sinks and bathtubs. This is not a good time to take a shower. Stay away from windows, doors and porches. Also, stay away from concrete floors and walls.

If you can’t go inside, stay away from water and any object that can conduct electricity, like a barbed wire fence. Stay away from high areas, like hills, and stay away from tall objects like a lone tree or a cliff. Also, don’t lie flat on the ground.

Do you think lightning is beautiful or scary? Did you know that you could be struck by lightning by turning on a light during a storm?