How to dodge a lightning strike?
Lightning strikes can be deadly, but there are steps you can take to minimize your risk and potentially dodge a strike. The key is to be aware of the weather conditions, avoid open spaces, and take quick action if a storm approaches.
Recognize the Danger Signs
The first step in dodging a lightning strike is to be aware of the weather conditions and recognize the signs of an approaching storm. Dark clouds, rumbling thunder, and flashes of lightning are all indicators that a thunderstorm is approaching and the risk of a strike is increasing. If you hear thunder, that means lightning is within striking distance, and you should take immediate action to seek shelter.
Avoid Open Spaces
When a thunderstorm is approaching, it's important to avoid open spaces and high ground. Lightning tends to strike the tallest object in an area, so staying away from open fields, golf courses, and other exposed areas is crucial. Instead, seek shelter in a substantial building or a hard-topped vehicle.
Take Shelter Immediately
- If you're caught outside during a thunderstorm, the best thing to do is to seek shelter immediately. Avoid small structures, such as picnic shelters or bus stops, as they offer little protection from lightning.
- The safest place to be is inside a large, enclosed building or a hard-topped vehicle. Avoid contact with conductive surfaces, such as metal or water, and stay away from windows.
- If you're unable to reach a building or vehicle, crouch low, with as little of your body touching the ground as possible. Avoid tall, isolated objects, such as trees, and stay away from bodies of water.
By recognizing the signs of an approaching storm, avoiding open spaces, and taking shelter immediately, you can significantly reduce your risk of being struck by lightning.
What to do if your hair stands up during a lightning storm?
Look for a thick patch of small trees. Avoid tall, lone trees. Don't lie flat. If your hair stands on end, squat down with your head between your knees.
How close is lightning if you hear the crack?
The sharpness of thunder depends on how far away it is. Sound waves weaken as they move outward. That's why you can't hear thunder from lightning that's more than about 10 miles away. Thunder will be a sharp crack or clap when lightning is close.
What are three things you shouldn't do if lightning strikes?
Don't stand near trees or tall isolated objects. Avoid metal objects, like fences or exposed pipes. Staying Safe Indoors Add a lightning rod to your roof. Avoid bathing, showering, or using the sink as much as possible during storms. Turn off and stay away from wired electronics. Keep your windows closed.
What material blocks lightning?
A Choice of Materials
Lightning protection systems are generally constructed from highly-conductive alloys of either aluminum or copper.
What is the 30/30/30 rule for lightning?
When You See Lightning, Count The Time Until You Hear Thunder. If That Is 30 Seconds Or Less, The Thunderstorm Is Close Enough To Be Dangerous – Seek Shelter (if you can't see the lightning, just hearing the thunder is a good back-up rule). Wait 30 Minutes Or More After The Lightning Flash Before Leaving Shelter.
How do you evade lightning?
Avoid hilltops and open areas. Lightning seeks the highest ground, so if indoor shelter is not available, crouching down in the nearest, lowest, unexposed point is a better bet. Distance yourself from tall objects. Never stand near tall structures -- particularly metal ones -- which can act as lightning rods.
