Before embarking on an outdoor adventure, check the weather forecast for the location you’ll be visiting. If thunderstorms are expected, it’s best to change your plans. The United States has averaged 43 deaths per year from lightning over the past few decades.
Keep the following in mind to help you stay safe if you do get caught in a storm:
Thunderstorms can develop suddenly despite clear weather. Watch for darkening skies, increased winds, and lightning flashes, and listen for thunder;
As soon as you are first aware of an approaching thunderstorm, move off open water or hike down to a lower elevation and seek shelter;
Avoid summits, open water or other open areas during thunderstorms; if you hear thunder you can be struck by lightning.
If you cannot take shelter indoors, find a low spot away from tall trees. Seek an area of shorter trees and crouch down away from tree trunks.
Make yourself as short as possible by sitting with your knees flexed. Hug your knees and keep your feet together to minimize the ground effect of a nearby lightning strike.
Photo provided by DEC.
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