What does the 30-30 rule recommend?

The 30-30 rule is a guideline for assessing the safety of outdoor activities during thunderstorms. This rule suggests that if you see lightning and then start counting seconds until you hear thunder, if there are less than 30 seconds between the two, you should seek shelter immediately. The rationale is that the shorter the time gap, the closer the lightning strike is likely to be, indicating an imminent danger.

In this context, the recommendation to seek shelter is essential for ensuring personal safety during a thunderstorm. Lightning can strike far from the storm itself, posing a risk even when there is no rain. Thus, pay attention to both visual and auditory cues when a storm is approaching, and taking cover when the interval is less than 30 seconds can significantly reduce the risk of being struck by lightning.

The other options do provide safety considerations, but they do not directly address the immediate action one should take based on the timing of lightning and thunder. Maintaining visibility, waiting after the storm, or leaving the area when lightning is observed are all important aspects of outdoor safety, but they are secondary to the direct recommendation of seeking shelter based on the 30-30 rule when the time gap is less than 30 seconds.