If caught by a thunderstorm outdoors, get into a hard-topped vehicle or building, and stay away from ridges, lone trees, open water and metal
- High value
- Evidence B
- Buys life
- Free
- Takes minutes
- Some willpower
In a real emergency, call 911 first, then read this.
In plain words
Within range of a thunderstorm, nowhere outdoors is safe. Get into a hard-topped vehicle or a building. Convertibles, motorcycles, tents, pavilions, under a tree and under a projecting rock do not count. Stay away from open ground, ridges and summits, lone big trees, water and iron railings. If a group can't get away, spread out and stand apart. Retreat as soon as you hear thunder, and it is safe only 30 minutes after the last thunder.
- Cost
-
Free. The cost is that your trip is interrupted for more than half an hour. The hard part is being willing to turn back while the thunder is still far off.
- What you get
-
Within range of a thunderstorm, nowhere outdoors is safe. It is safe only 30 minutes after the last thunderclap
- Notes
-
Tents, pavilions, trees and projecting rocks do not count as shelter. A hard-topped car counts, and a convertible or a motorcycle does not. Start retreating as soon as you hear thunder, and don't wait for the rain to come.
- Evidence grade
- B : Supported by research but without a precise number, or based on small or single studies.
- Sources
-
- 美国国家气象局. 户外雷电安全：「There is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are in the area」「Avoid open fields, the top of a hill or a ridge top. Stay away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects」「Stay away from water, wet items, such as ropes, and metal objects, such as fences and poles」
- 实在走不了时「If you are in a group, spread out to avoid the current traveling between group members」
- 恢复活动「Wait 30 minutes until after the last rumble of thunder」. https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-outdoors
Translated from the Chinese original. Original book, section 13, tip 32. Content may be out of date and rules differ by place. When you actually deal with an agency, a doctor or a court, follow what local officials, doctors and lawyers tell you. Disclaimer