While unconscious, he dreamed that he was asleep behind the wheel of his car as it zipped down Interstate 95.

He woke up in the ambulance. Across from him was a federal agent who helped save his life.

The off-duty Secret Service agent, whom the agency declined to identify, had given Kirvelaitis mouth-to-mouth resuscitation at the scene until paramedics arrived.

"He's a hero," Kirvelaitis said. "He's a gallant guy."

By the time he reached the hospital, Kirvelaitis felt almost normal again, he said. "Everyone was just amazed that I was alive."

Yesterday, Kirvelaitis said he felt as if he had suffered bad sunburn and had been singed by a stove's burner. His chest hurt. And he had lost some hearing from the lightning strike, he said.

Kirvelaitis said he expects to leave the hospital by tomorrow and return home to his wife, Vilia, son Kovas and daughter Indraja.

"I'm very lucky," Kirvelaitis said. "I get to live to see Father's Day."

He is not the first person to be struck by lightning at or near the Mall. In 1995, seven people were injured by lightning that struck on Independence Day.

The National Weather Service had not issued a thunderstorm warning for the District on Thursday, though it did issue an alert for flash flooding.

Severe thunderstorm warnings were issued for some of the area's suburbs.

Still, rangers with the National Park Service urged people at the Mall to seek shelter as Thursday's storm approached, said Bill Line, a Park Service spokesman.
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Below is a summary of what to do when lightning threatens. It's from the website of the Lightning Protection Institute.

WHEN LIGHTNING STRIKES

Seek a safe shelter immediately! If you're unable to find shelter in a building or residence that is equipped with a lightning protection system, LPI suggests the following safety guidelines:

Indoors

Stand clear from windows, doors and electrical appliances.

Unplug appliances well before a storm nears - never during.

Avoid contact with piping including sinks, baths and faucets.

Do not use the telephone except for emergencies.

Outdoors

Look for a shelter equipped with a lightning protection system like those found at golf courses, public parks and pools.

If you're caught outside and unprotected:

Get in a hard topped car.

Never use a tree as a shelter.

Avoid areas that are higher than the surrounding landscape.

Keep away from metal objects including bikes, golf carts, fencing, machinery, etc.

Avoid standing near tall objects.

Immediately get out and away from pools, lakes, and other bodies of water.

Spread out - don't stand in a crowd of people.

If you feel a tingling sensation or your hair stands on end, lightning may be about to strike! Immediately crouch down and cover your ears. Do not lie down or place your hands on the ground.

Victims of lightning shock should be administered CPR if necessary, and seek medical attention immediately.