Backcountry Lightning Safety Guidelines.Lightning strikes fast: the process usually takes just a few milliseconds. While moving indoors at the first sign of a thunderstorm thunderstorm, violent, local atmospheric disturbance accompanied by lightning, thunder, and heavy rain, often by strong gusts of wind, and sometimes by hail. may be your best option, it's not always possible. Here are some actions you can take to reduce your risk of exposure while in the backcountry back·coun·try n. A sparsely inhabited rural region. . Check the Weather Forecast Time activities with local weather patterns. Begin your turnaround when you hear thunder (which means lightning is one to ten miles away). Set turnaround times (1) In batch processing, the time it takes to receive finished reports after submission of documents or files for processing. In an online environment, turnaround time is the same as response time. that will get you off of exposed terrain before storms hit. Observe the changing weather and discuss its status with your group. Move to Safer Terrain Move to safer terrain as soon as you hear thunder, not when the storm is upon you. Avoid peaks, ridges, and significantly higher ground. Wide open ground offers high exposure during an electrical storm electrical storm Cardiology A cardiac event defined as multiple recurrent episodes of ventricular fibrillation, or hemodynamically destabilizing ventricular tachycardia, with a very poor prognosis; ES is most common in older men with CAD, often in a background of . Avoid Trees and Tall Objects Avoid trees and bushes that rise above the others. Be especially cautious of trees at the edge of the water. Your best bet is to look for an obvious ravine or depression. Avoid Long Conductors Lightning currents tend to pass in long electrical conductors -- particularly ones that are on or near the surface of the earth. Metal fences, power lines, phone lines, railway tracks, handrails, measuring tapes, bridges, and other metal objects can carry significant lightning current even if these objects are at some distance from the lightning ground strike point. During a thunderstorm, wet, extended ropes should be regarded as equivalent in risk and danger to metal wires. Assume the Lightning Position When at risk, assume the lightning position. Squat (or sit) and ball up so you are as low as possible without getting prone. Wrap your arms around your legs. Close your eyes. Keep your feet together. If you have any insulated objects handy, like a foam pad or a soft pack full of clothes, sit on them. Avoid backpacks with frames since the frame may concentrate current. Don't touch metallic objects like ice axes, crampons, tent poles, or jewelry jewelry, personal adornments worn for ornament or utility, to show rank or wealth, or to follow superstitious custom or fashion. The most universal forms of jewelry are the necklace, bracelet, ring, pin, and earring. . Adapted from "NOLS NOLS National Outdoor Leadership School Backcountry Lightning Safety For lightning-related injuries, see . Thunderstorms are the primary source of lightning. Because people have been struck many miles away from a storm, seeking immediate and effective shelter when thunderstorms approach is an important part of lightning safety. Guidelines," by John Gookin, NOLS curriculum manager |
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