![Photo via Edal Anton Lefterov (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0) or GFDL (http://www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html)], via Wikimedia Commons](https://i0.wp.com/mynewsla-newspack.newspackstaging.com/wp-content/uploads/2014/12/rain-on-roof.jpg?ssl=1)
With thunderstorms and lightning possible Thursday and into Friday night, county officials urged residents to take precautions to stay safe.
Officials with the Los Angeles County Office of Emergency Management said no place is safe outdoors during a thunderstorm, and residents should get inside when they hear thunder or see lightning.
During such a storm, people should go inside a “substantial” building and stay away from doors, windows and anything that conducts electricity such as corded telephones, computers and other equipment.
People who are stuck outside without any access to shelter are advised to stay away from elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges or peaks; and never lie flat on the ground or under an isolated tree. People should also get out of any bodies of water.
Emergency preparedness information is available through the county’s 24- hour, toll-free 2-1-1 hotline. People with disabilities or who have other special needs can call the line to receive referrals to specific services they might need stemming from the storm.
— City News Service