NEW YORK -- For many golfers in New York State, the summer just isn't long enough. So when a storm threatens their game, they might not take it as seriously as they should.

"They hate it when they get on the golf course, they get a day off, get on the golf course, and they get interrupted by a storm," said Joel Hyde, Foxfire Golf Course Head Professional.

Even though you might be tempted to stay outside and wait out a storm, your best bet is to head for shelter.

In the US, lightning kills an average of 62 people per year, and many don't know what to do when a storm hits.

"A lot of people, they try to take cover underneath a tree. That is the second worse spot you want to be. One being the worst, in the middle of a field where you're the highest point, well under a tree, that's the highest point, so you're actually standing next to a lightning rod in many cases," said Meteorologist Dan Russell.

Because storms can roll in so quickly, when you're outside enjoying the weather, it's important that you head for shelter as soon as you first hear thunder.

"They say the generic rule is if you can hear thunder, although you can't see it, your best bet is to get indoors. Lightning can actually strike as far as 10 miles away," said Russell.

So to say safe during a storm, head indoors as soon as you hear thunder, seek shelter in significant-sized buildings like homes or shopping centers, and stay inside for 30 minutes after the storm passes.

Those same rules apply to avid golfers.

"The bottom line is, if there's lightning in the area, get off the golf course. People love to play golf, but we don't want anybody hurt out there," said Hyde.

And it never hurts to check the weather before you head outdoors.

The National Weather Service also has safety tips for people stranded outside during a storm at their Lightning Safety Awareness Week website. Lightning Safety Awareness