Protecting yourself from lightning when caught outdoors in a storm primarily involves avoiding dangerous locations and positions, especially when seeking immediate shelter is not possible.
Based on the provided reference from the National Weather Service, here are crucial "Last Resort Outdoor Risk Reduction Tips" to protect yourself from lightning:
Last Resort Outdoor Risk Reduction Tips
When lightning is a threat and you are outdoors, these actions can help reduce your risk if a safe building or vehicle is not accessible.
- Get off elevated areas: Immediately move away from high points like hills, mountain ridges, or peaks. These areas are more likely to be struck by lightning.
- Never lie flat on the ground: Contrary to some beliefs, lying flat increases your contact with the ground, which can make you more vulnerable to ground currents if lightning strikes nearby.
- Avoid isolated trees: Never shelter under an isolated tree. A lone tree acts as a natural lightning rod and can be extremely dangerous during a storm.
- Do not use cliffs or rocky overhangs for shelter: These areas can also be hazardous during a lightning storm due to conductivity and potential for strikes.
- Stay away from water: Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, making it dangerous to be in or near during lightning.
| Action | Why it's Important |
|---|---|
| Get off elevated areas | High points are prime targets for lightning strikes. |
| Never lie flat on the ground | Reduces contact with ground currents. |
| Avoid isolated trees | Trees attract lightning. |
| Do not shelter under cliffs/overhangs | Risk of strikes and ground currents. |
| Get out of/away from bodies of water | Water conducts electricity efficiently. |
Implementing these tips can significantly lower your risk of being struck by lightning when safe indoor shelter is not immediately available. Always remember that no place outdoors is safe when lightning is present; these are measures to take only when other options are exhausted.
