Protection from Lightning - Smart Strategies for Hikers and All Outdoor Enthusiasts

Prevention is your best protection against lightning. Be sure to check your local weather report before you head outside. Learn how to read the sky and where to run for cover. Lightning can and does strike in the same place twice, do not make yourself vulnerable by becoming a target.

Reading the Sky Stay aware of the sky above you with your eyes and ears. To estimate how far away a lightening storm is, count the time between the lightning flash and the sound of thunder. Every five seconds difference in time equals one mile in distance. If you hear thunder 12 seconds after you see a flash, the lightning struck just over 2 miles away (2 2/5 miles).

Things and Places to Avoid

  • If lightning is moving toward you, stay away from: Fences, metal pipes, clotheslines, power lines, rails and other metallic paths that could carry lightning to you from a distance.
  • Natural lightning rods such as a tall isolated tree in an open area.
  • Metal objects you may be holding or carrying (bicycles, ski poles, golf clubs, etc.).
  • Isolated sheds or other small structures in open areas.

Safe Havens The preferred (safest) place to be during a lightning storm is inside a home, large building or a car (but, never a convertible).

  • If you are miles from a suitable shelter, you must seek refuge in low areas away from tall objects such as trees, towers, or mountain ridges.
  • In flat country, head for dense woods, ravines or large groves of young trees.
  • For shelter in the forest, find a low area under a thick growth of small trees.
  • If you are caught in an open area, crouch in a low place like a valley or ravine. Be watchful of flash floods.

Stuck in the Storm To do your best to avoid injury:

  • Get on your hands and knees - just drop to your knees and bend forward. Never lie flat on the ground.
  • Use whatever insulation you may have available. Attempt to have as little of your body touching the ground as possible. Crouch on a log or your sleeping bag or foam pad.
  • Get out of your tent if it contains metal poles or other parts.
  • If your hair starts to stand on end, act quickly because lightning is about to strike.
    • Copyright 2005. Karen B. Cohen All Rights Reserved

      Karen B. Cohen is a performance and wellness coach living in a college town in rural Virginia. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Karen enjoys a variety of pursuits in the Upper Shenandoah Valley and the Blue Ridge Mountains. She is an expert yoga instructor and occasionally leads yoga hikes near her home. She is available for seminars, workshops and individual coaching, and can be reached through her latest project http://www.rockbridgemag.com (Karen@RockbridgeMag.com).

      executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport car
      In The News:

      Getting virus alerts on your iPhone? Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson helps you learn how to handle fake scam alerts and boost security.
      Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says opening emails is safe, but risks arise from interacting with links, attachments or HTML content.
      Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals four signs of compromised Social Security numbers and offers five steps to protect yourself.
      Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how MAB Robotics' Honey Badger 4.0, a versatile robot, now walks underwater with amphibious skills.
      An updated Android trojan called FakeCall hijacks bank calls. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson says Android phone manufacturers and Google need to step up their game on security.
      The Massimo Modular E9 is a sleek, smart and comfy tiny home in 409 square feet. Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson takes a closer look at what the future of housing might look like.
      Every stock trader should consider a virtual private network to safeguard their trading, according to tech guru Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson.
      Apple recently announced its new lineup of Macs and rolled out Apple Intelligence, its latest artificial intelligence-powered feature for its products.
      A Swiss-engineered robot can climb ladders, showing why it's at the cutting edge of autonomous robotic solutions for harsh industrial settings.
      Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson presents the cities targeted most by robocalls, why this is happening and what you can do about it to protect your privacy.
      Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents
      Kurt "CyberGuy" Knutsson shares tips and suggestions for how to get the best use out of the updated Calendar app available with the latest iOS update.
      Your Social Security number, your unique identifier used for many purposes, has likely been leaked on the Dark Web; here are some steps you can take to protect yourself.
      Researchers have developed a new technology that creates strong, sticky fibers capable of lifting objects and capturing things from a distance.
      Smart rings track the same things that smartwatches do, including steps, sleep and a general overview of your overall health, and they tend have more battery life than smartwatches.
      Researchers have developed a robotic finger that can perform routine medical exams like those conducted by doctors, helping to address the growing shortage of trained professionals.
      Stay up to date on the latest AI technology advancements and learn about the challenges and opportunities AI presents now and for the future.
      Insurance administrative services company Landmark Admin reported that a data breach from a May cyberattack affected over 800,000 people.
      Sotheby's will auction the first artwork created by Ai-Da, the world's first robot artist created in 2019 by British gallerist Aidan Meller.
      More than 250 million users of the Verizon Messages app will have to switch to another app. Verizon is shutting down Messages in the next month.
      Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson provides a list of 10 celebrities who are the most targeted by deepfake scams, including Tom Hanks.
      Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson discusses how Vast's Haven-1, launching in 2025, transforms space living with human-centric design.
      UnitedHealth confirms over 100 million Change Healthcare users had their data stolen. Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson reveals what happened and what caused the breach.
      Tech expert Kurt “CyberGuy" Knutsson explains how iOS 18 brings new text formatting and animated effects to the Messages app.
      Whether you're a social media veteran or novice, Facebook friend request scams are common. Kurt the CyberGuy provides tips to keep your account safe.

Safety Tips While Walking in the Spanish Countryside

Spring:Essential items when preparing for a walk-Compass-First aid kit -... Read More

What Do Cowboys-n-Campfires Have in Common?

I bet you're wondering where the heck this articles going.... Read More

How Are Minerals Formed?

HOW ARE MINERALS FORMED?MINERALS are naturally occuring, inorganic solids, with... Read More

How to Grab a Bite to Eat and Help the Planet

You CAN grab something to eat, enjoy every bite, AND... Read More

Alaska Sport Fishing Guide

WHAT TO FISH AND WHERE: Alaska offers some of the... Read More

A Holiday in Rajasthan

Romancing History ? A Holiday in RajasthanRajasthan, the name evokes... Read More

One of the Oldest Traditions of the American West; The Dude Ranch

Dude Ranches first gained popularity in the 1920s, in large... Read More

San Diego Beach Hikes ? Cardiff to Carlsbad

San Diego offers a bevy of interesting hikes. With the... Read More

Find a Camping Gear Outlet Near You

When you search online for a camping gear outlet you... Read More

Code of Conduct for Outdoor Enthusiasts

My favorite outdoor related quote comes from John Muir, the... Read More

Bird Watching in the East Usambara Mountains of Tanzania

The Usamabara Mountains are very special mountains, often that tired... Read More

Tanzania Safari Top Five National Parks and Game Reserves

Ask about perfect wildlife destinations and a Tanzania safari will... Read More

Camping For Fun

Camping for fun is a great way to enjoy the... Read More

Backyard Camping Trip

Are your kids begging you to take them camping, but... Read More

Be Sure to Buy the Best Discount Camping Gear Before Going on that Family Adventure

When you're on the Internet looking for discount camping gear,... Read More

Comal White Water or More Blue Green

White Water on the Comal river in Central Texas is... Read More

Your Horses Back May Not Be the Same Next Month

A saddle is a static object, but your horse is... Read More

Backcountry Safety ? An Essential 10-Point Checklist

The call of the wild can be seductive. The exquisite... Read More

How To Get The Most Out Of Your Trekking Poles

How to get the most out of your trekking poles... Read More

Greek Food

A meal in Greece is highlighted with a selection of... Read More

Discover Eaton Canyon In Pasadena California

Eaton Canyon Natural Area Nature Center, entrance, 1750 N. Altadena... Read More

Inflatable Boats: An Overview

Inflatable boats are made from flexible material, usually rubber, canvas,... Read More

All the Way to Timbuctu

Yes, it's real. There is a place called Timbuktu and... Read More

African Safari Gear Packing List - What To Take Along

The last thing you want on an African safari is... Read More

The Cast of Culture in South Africa

Drive along one of South Africa's scenic strips and you... Read More

O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..