The reason I ask is, if you don't want to be a tall, isolated object, and you are not near any objects taller then you... then wouldn't it make sense to get down as low as you could? Or would you be better off running to your car?
2006-10-07 13:56:48 · 9 answers · asked by wscarpelli@sbcglobal.net 4 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Weather
Your car is safe, but if it is far, the safest is actually to curl up into a ball. Not sure why...
This doesn't mention that, but maybe it will help.
http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/outdoors.htm
2006-10-07 13:59:29 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
I used to wonder about that, too (along with other "caught-in-the-open" scenarios, such as what to do if there's a tornado headed your way). What I have learned is:
1) You'd be MUCH better off in your car than out in the open. The metal shell of the car can protect you from even a direct strike (don't touch any metal in side the vehicle).
2) Under no circumstances should you stretch out on the ground! While you're right about not wanting to be the tallest object around, lying flat isn't much of an improvement. Lightning can travel through the ground a pretty good distance from the place of the original strike and enter your body through any surface touching the ground. If that's your whole body, then you're in a world of hurt.
3) So what should you do? If you're in a park and can't get to a SAFE shelter (a vehicle or a building with metal plumbing), remove all metal objects, such as belts, coins, jewelry, then (safest option first):
a) If you can make it deep into a GROVE of trees, you should take shelter there, near the smallest trees, in tuck position;
b) If you can find a ditch or a shallow depression, get into that, in tuck position;
c) If you have to remain in the open, get into tuck position.
4) Tuck position: crouch down on the balls of your feet with your feet together, cover your ears with your hands, keep your elbows pressed against your sides, and rest your chest against your thighs. This position minimizes your contact with the ground and protects your eardrums from the noise of a nearby strike. While maintaining this position throughout an entire thunderstorm is impossible for most of us, it is what's recommended.
5) Other things you should know:
a) DO NOT take shelter under an open sided structure gazebo, carport, shed, etc. They will not protect you any better than sheltering under a tall tree would;
b) If you feel your hair standing on end, or your raincoat starts to rise , lighting is about to strike right where you are. If you can't get to a safe shelter immediately, then get into tuck position;
c) If you're with a group, you should be at least 15 feet away from each other to minimize the risk of lighting jumping from one person to the next.
2006-10-07 22:52:35 · answer #2 · answered by bsp 1 · 1⤊ 0⤋
If you can't make it to your car before the lightning is all around, do NOT lie down. Instead, squat down with your hands behind your head. The idea in squatting is to provide as small a path to ground for the lightning to find (..lying down provides a larger surface area in contact with the ground for the lightning to find) Ideally squat like this in the lowest piece of ground within reach.
2006-10-07 22:39:35 · answer #3 · answered by Chug-a-Lug 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it would be most safe for ou to go and sit inside your car.....if that is impossible when you are in a park, go hide under a bench or something.
But it is not advisable for you to just lie down and the worst and the most unsafe thing to do is to stand under a tree or near an electric pole....if you stand anywhere near these places then SO LONG!
2006-10-08 12:59:45 · answer #4 · answered by drishti p 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, never lie down.
When you are caught in a field during a storm stay crouched with your feet touching the ground. The rubber soles of your shoes are your only lifeline. Stay away from tall things and wires. Also if there is a ditch crouch down in it. But never lie down. You could be fried without your shoes.
And you could like, crouch walk to your car. But if you can see it then run like hell.
2006-10-07 21:00:43 · answer #5 · answered by Ryan 2 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You could try laying eggs instead of down. Then, if lightening strikes, you would have fried eggs. What use would down be in a storm? It would get all wet and matted and lose its insulating properties.
Siht, if you can lay down, why not lay a protective shed instead?
(You mean lying down.)
2006-10-07 21:00:23 · answer #6 · answered by ? 6 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Your reasoning sounds sound,so by that logic your safer laying down,however the chances of getting struck are low& it wood be healther to grt out of the weather.
2006-10-07 21:05:59 · answer #7 · answered by Ellen 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes but not under a tree
2006-10-07 21:33:25 · answer #8 · answered by ? 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
not really ur still the highiest thing there
2006-10-07 21:02:18 · answer #9 · answered by irma 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋