Family’s Close Call With Lightning Strike Is Teachable Moment for What to Do in a Storm

By Margo Gothelf

Thanks to quick responders, a family that was struck by lightning is alive and well.

Chris Lovera was backpacking with his two kids in Sequoia National Park over Labor Day when the unthinkable happened. The family woke up to a lightning storm and immediately sought shelter underneath a tree.

“I woke to a pretty horrific scene of my son in a state of absolute fear and panic,” Lovera told Inside Edition. “And a scene of my daughter lying next to him, unconscious on the ground.”

However, the tree did not protect the family, and a bolt struck all three of them. Luckily, a family from the other side of the lake saw the incident and ran over to help.

“The first thing I saw was two kids with blood all over their heads,” rescuer Britta Kfir told Inside Edition.

The Lovera’s were airlifted out of the park and were later treated for their injuries. Lovera suffered from second-degree burns and injuries to his back and arms. His 12-year-old son and 9-year-old daughter also suffered from some burns, and both had punctured eardrums.

So what is the best thing to do if you ever get caught in a lightning storm?

According to experts, you should never take shelter underneath a tree. The best place to be is very low on the ground with your hands covering your ears. It is also recommended that you steer clear of large objects, especially if they are taller than you.

Meteorologist George Wright told Inside Edition that it is OK to run, but only if it is to get to a safe place. Otherwise it is best to get low on the ground.

It is also recommended to turn off all electronics and stay away from metal objects.

To find out more about what to do in a lightning storm, click here.