Basic Lightning Safety Tips Outdoors
1. When outdoors, if you see lightning and hear thunder within 3–5 seconds, it means you are in or near a dangerous area; if your head, neck, or hands feel like ants are crawling on them, or your hair stands on end, it indicates that a lightning strike is imminent. In this case, you should immediately stop walking, bring your feet together, crouch down quickly, hug your knees with both hands, press your chest tightly against your knees, and lower your head as much as possible, because the head is more prone to lightning strikes than other parts of the body.
2. If you see a high-voltage power line break due to a lightning strike while outdoors, be alert, as there may be step voltage near the break point. Do not run away in panic, because the wider your stride, the higher the voltage and the greater the risk of injury. Instead, keep your feet together and jump away from the area.
3. Do not stay at high elevations such as mountaintops, ridges, or rooftops, and avoid staying in open areas like playgrounds or squares.
4. Stay away from exposed metal objects on buildings, such as water pipes or gas pipes, and avoid outdoor electrical equipment like transformer boxes or distribution panels.
5. Do not take shelter under large rocks or at cave entrances during thunderstorms; also avoid staying under tall trees.
6. Reduce wearing metal jewelry during thunderstorms and avoid outdoor ball sports. Be careful not to hold items like rackets, umbrellas, or fishing rods overhead, as doing so can increase your effective height and make you a “sharp point” vulnerable to lightning strikes.
7. Swimming or boating on open water is also highly risky during a thunderstorm; you should quickly get out of the water and find a safe shelter.
8. Do not take shelter from rain in small, unprotected structures in open areas, such as sheds, carports, under umbrellas, or small pavilions. However, staying inside a car is a safe option for sheltering from rain.
9. Once a person is struck by lightning, they often enter a state of “apparent death.” In this case, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and external cardiac massage—often miracles can happen. While giving first aid, call the hospital emergency center immediately to ensure on-site rescue, which greatly increases the chance of survival.
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