Storm & Lightning Safety
Lightning And Severe Storms Can Cause Serious Injury, Death, And Property Damage. Your Safety Comes First. When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors.
Record From Safe Shelter Only. ResearchWeather.com™ does not encourage or condone reckless behavior. Do not put yourself or others at risk to capture content. If conditions are unsafe, do not record.
Golden Rules For Lightning Safety And Storm Observation
Lightning and severe storms are inherently dangerous and unpredictable. ResearchWeather.com™ is designed so you can contribute from safe, sheltered locations and remote setups. Your Personal Safety Is Paramount.
- Safe Shelter Only. Record only from a safe, sheltered location (for example, indoors). If you cannot remain fully protected, do not record.
- Respect Privacy. Do not aim cameras at people or private spaces without permission.
- No Use While Driving Or Operating Equipment. Do not use ResearchWeather.com™ while driving, cycling, boating, flying, or operating machinery or vehicles.
- Follow Official Alerts. Rely on trusted local warnings and emergency guidance for safety decisions.
- Plan Remote Setups. If you want outdoor views, use stationary cameras installed in advance, well before storms approach, and monitor from safe shelter.
Capture From A Safe Zone
You can contribute meaningful observations without leaving safety. The best captures often come from sheltered, predictable locations: homes, porches behind screening, enclosed vehicles, or designated safe indoor viewing areas.
- Plan Ahead: choose a safe location before storms arrive.
- Keep Distance: do not approach strikes, storm fronts, or flooded areas.
- Stay Legal: never trespass, block roads, or enter restricted areas.
If you use cameras or sensors, install and test them in advance in a safe location. Do not set up or adjust equipment as a storm approaches.
For Kids, Families, Schools, And Youth Groups
Kids and other minors (under 18) may participate only with parent or legal guardian permission and active supervision. Accounts for minors should be managed by a parent, guardian, or responsible organization representative.
- Never Allow A Minor to record storms from unsafe locations.
- Use Stationary Cameras Or Indoor Observation Only.
- Prioritize Safety Over Content, Always.
No Emergency Service
ResearchWeather.com™ is an observation and education platform. It does not provide emergency warnings, safety clearance, or evacuation guidance. Always Use Official Forecasts, Alerts, And Local Emergency Instructions.
Responsibility And Liability
Using ResearchWeather.com™ is voluntary. You are solely responsible for your actions, decisions, travel, equipment placement, and safety while observing or recording weather. ResearchWeather.com™ is not an emergency service, warning system, or safety tool. Do not rely on it for safety decisions.
Assumption Of Risk: You understand that storms and lightning are inherently dangerous and unpredictable. By using the Service, you knowingly and voluntarily assume all risks of injury, death, and property damage that may occur during storm observation, recording, or any related field activity.
- Record Only From A Safe Zone. If you cannot stay safe, do not record.
- Do Not Use ResearchWeather.com™ while driving or operating machinery.
- Consider Stationary Cameras deployed well before a storm is anywhere close.
- Follow Official Alerts And Local Emergency Instructions.
Remember: Record Only From Safe Shelter. Follow Official Alerts. When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors.
This page is provided in good faith for general safety awareness and does not replace professional or official guidance. For the legal terms that govern use of ResearchWeather.com™, see Privacy & Terms.