Quick Answer
If a lightning storm hits while hiking, drop to a crouch position with your feet together, head down, and hands on your knees. Avoid trees, bodies of water, and metal objects as they are high-risk areas for lightning strikes. Seek shelter if possible.
Dropping to a Crouch Position
When a lightning storm approaches, drop to a crouch position immediately. This reduces your risk of being struck by lowering your center of gravity and minimizing your exposure to the air. Crouch with your feet together, head down, and hands on your knees. This position is more effective than squatting or kneeling, as it reduces your height and makes it harder for lightning to reach you.
Avoiding High-Risk Areas
Avoid trees, as they can conduct electricity through their roots and branches. If you’re in a wooded area, quickly move to a clearing or an open area. Stay away from bodies of water, such as lakes or rivers, as water is an excellent conductor of electricity. Avoid metal objects like bicycles, ski poles, or even metal fences, as they can attract lightning.
Seeking Shelter
If possible, seek shelter in a sturdy building or a hard-topped vehicle with the windows closed. Avoid small buildings, such as gazebos or picnic shelters, as they can be vulnerable to lightning strikes. If you can’t find shelter, crouch in a low area like a ditch or a depression, and try to get as low as possible. Stay away from any objects that might conduct electricity and put you at risk.
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