Striking Back at Lightning: How to Survive the Unpredictable Outdoors
As an outdoor enthusiast, you might have heard the thunderous rumble and seen the spectacular light show that Mother Nature occasionally puts on. It’s breathtaking, isn’t it? But what happens when this natural marvel turns into a potential threat? Let’s talk about lightning – a stunning yet deadly phenomenon.
Picture yourself in the heart of nature, with miles of open space around you. Suddenly, dark clouds roll in and you find yourself in the midst of a lightning storm. What do you do? Is it possible to survive lightning strikes while outdoors?
Yes, it is! And here’s how.
Firstly, let’s debunk a myth: Lightning does strike the same place twice. The Empire State Building gets hit approximately 23 times a year! So if you think you’re safe because lightning has struck nearby, think again.
Now let’s dive into some survival strategies:
1. Avoid Open Spaces: When caught in a storm, avoid being the tallest object around. Lightning seeks out the quickest route to ground level which often means striking tall objects.
2. Stay Away from Trees: Contrary to popular belief, seeking shelter under a tree is dangerous as they are likely targets for lightning strikes due to their height.
3. Assume The Position: If there’s no shelter nearby and your hair stands on end or your skin tingles (indications that lightning is about to strike), crouch down with your heels touching and head between your knees but don’t lie flat on the ground!
4. Ditch Metal Objects: Metals conduct electricity so drop any metal objects like backpack frames or trekking poles immediately.
5. Wait It Out: Even after the last thunderclap, wait for at least 30 minutes before resuming your activities as bolts can strike from as far as 10 miles away from the storm center.
Remember these tips and you’ll increase your chances of surviving a lightning strike dramatically.
Now, let’s turn the tables. Instead of fearing the storm, use it to your advantage. Did you know that lightning produces nitrogen oxides which are natural fertilizers? So next time you’re hiking after a storm, take a deep breath and appreciate the fresh, fertile aroma of nature rejuvenated.
Also, don’t forget to share your survival stories with us! We’re all in this together, learning from each other’s experiences.
While we can’t control Mother Nature’s whims, we can certainly equip ourselves with knowledge and strategies to survive her more tempestuous moods. So next time you hear the rumble of thunder in the distance, remember these tips and stride confidently into your outdoor adventure.