How to Avoid Being Struck by Lightning

by Alistair Briggs in Advice, October 31, 2009

How do you avoid being struck by lightning? Well staying indoors always helps but if that is not an option, there are ways of minimising the risk of being struck by lightning. Here we will take a look at some of the ways.

So how at risk are you from being struck by lightning? Quite a low risk really. However, somewhere in the world, it is estimated that there are around one hundred lightning strikes every single second. That equates to more than 8 and a half million times a day.

Statistically, if hit by a lightning strike, you would have a 1 in 19 million chance of death so the odds are in your favour. However, it still hurts a lot and is best avoided if it can be.

Image via Wikipedia

Between 1993 and 1999 all fatalities suffered through lightning strikes occurred outdoors. Yes, indoors would be the safest place to be but it wouldn’t mean you were immune. If you are stuck inside and think you may be at risk from being struck by lightning, stay away from any electrical equipment. In fact, stay away from any conductive surfaces at all; such as, metal windows, the sink, the shower etc. It is also advisable to unplug electrical appliances as lightning could cause a power surge (and we wouldn’t want the house to burn down now would we?)
Basically, if you can hear thunder then you are within striking distance of lightning. To work out (roughly) how far away the storm is, there is a simple mathematical formula. Count the number of seconds between the lightning flash and the thunder, divide this number by 5. This will give you the distance of the storm from you in miles.
If you are caught outside in a lightning storm, the best thing to do is to find a low spot as far away from metal fences, poles or trees as possible. Make yourself as small as possible and try and minimise your contact with the ground. How do you best achieve that? Crouch down and balance on the balls of your feet, put your hands on your knees and tuck your head down between them.
Whatever you do at this point, do not use your mobile phone or put up an umbrella (the metal will act as a conductor).
If you can make it indoors, all the better (well apart from a metal one!) if not, then a vehicle might suffice. If you do find a vehicle to get into, make sure the windows are rolled up and keep your hands off the steering wheel. If the vehicle is hit by lightning, it will go round the metal frame and out through the tyres, leaving you unharmed.
If you are unlucky enough to be caught in a lightning storm while out in a boat, the best thing you can do is make your way to land as fast as possible (water and electricity are not the best of friends).