How to Survive a Lightning Strike

Lightning is a short-lived phenomenon that has been around since the beginning of recorded history. It’s unpredictable, but it can be dangerous and even deadly if you’re not prepared for what to do when a bolt strikes. This article will teach you how to survive lightning in your home or outside.

The “chances of surviving a direct lightning strike” is not something that you can count on. There are a few things that you can do to increase your chances of survival.

The greatest strategy to prevent getting struck by lightning is to stay inside in the first place. Use the 30/30 Rule: If you can’t count to 30 before hearing thunder after witnessing lightning, get inside a structure or automobile. Wait 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before venturing outdoors.

If you’re stuck outside during a lightning storm and can’t get inside, seek refuge in a low place beneath a thick growth of tiny trees (but don’t stand too near to them). Lightning frequently (but not always) strikes the highest item in an area, therefore stay away from towering, solitary objects like tall trees and flagpoles.

Go to a low region, such as a valley or a ravine, if you’re in an open area (but be alert for flash floods). Water is a conductor of electricity, thus stay away from any body of water of any size.

If you’re caught outside and notice signs that a lightning strike is approaching (your hair stands on end, your skin tingles, you hear a buzzing, clicking, hissing, or cracking sound, or see metal objects emitting a soft, blue-white glow) or simply believe you’re in danger, immediately take the position outlined above to improve your chances of surviving if the lightning strikes you directly or close to you.

– As if you were a baseball catcher, crouch low. Get as low as possible. You’re less likely to get hit by lightning if you’re close to the ground. But never, ever, ever lay down!

– A lightning strike is approaching if your hair begins to stand on end or your skin begins to tingle. Get into a crouching stance right away. However, lightning may strike without notice.

– Cover your ears with your hands to prevent hearing loss from the powerful thunderclap that will be heard extremely near to you.

– Avoid touching any potential conductors.

– The balls of your feet should be the only thing touching the ground. It’s possible for lightning to strike the earth first, then enter your body. The less touch you have with the earth, the less electricity is likely to enter your body.

– Bring your feet together at the heels. If lightning from a ground strike penetrates your feet, it’s more likely that it’ll travel in one foot and out the other, rather than into your body as a whole.

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Ted Slampyak created the illustration.

The “how to survive a lightning strike outside” is an article that discusses what you should do if you are ever caught outside during a thunderstorm.