Survival Tip #179

Lightning

If you find yourself caught in a massive thunderstorm do not panic. Even fully exposed to the elements you don’t have a high chance of being struck by lightning. Panicking will create a far greater danger to your life than the storm itself.

If you are near shelter move at the safest and fastest speed you can to get to safety.

If you find yourself caught on open ground with no shelter in striking distance shed your pack and anything else metal you might have on you. Then crouch down low holding your knees to your chest while elevating on your toes. This makes your body as small as possible with the least amount of ground contact. Now if you’ve ever been in a boulder field during a thunder storm at high elevation you know how terrifying it can be. You must control that fear and stay calm. Stay poised and wait out the storm.