Lightning kills more people annually than tornadoes and hurricanes combined. In the wilderness, you’re often the tallest object around, making you a prime target. Understanding lightning behavior and safety protocols can save your life.
Understanding Lightning Risk
The 30-30 Rule
Count seconds between lightning flash and thunder:
- Less than 30 seconds: Seek shelter immediately
- Wait 30 minutes after last thunder before resuming activities
Lightning can strike up to 10 miles from a storm, even in clear skies—the deadly "bolt from the blue."
Recognizing Imminent Strike Warning Signs
Your body’s final warnings (seconds before strike):
- Hair standing on end
- Skin tingling or feeling "electric"
- Metal objects buzzing or humming
- Blue glow (St. Elmo’s Fire) around objects
- Smell of ozone (sharp, clean scent)
If you experience these: DROP INTO LIGHTNING POSITION IMMEDIATELY
The Lightning Safety Position
When caught in the open with no shelter:
-
Assume the position:
- Crouch low on balls of feet
- Feet together (minimize ground current)
- Hands over ears
- Head between knees
- Minimize ground contact—never lie flat
-
Stay in position until 30 minutes after last thunder
This position reduces injury severity but doesn’t guarantee safety.
Seeking Proper Shelter
SAFE Shelters:
- Substantial buildings with plumbing/wiring
- Hard-topped vehicles (not convertibles)
- Deep caves (not shallow overhangs)
- Dense forest with uniform tree height
DEADLY Shelters to AVOID:
- Isolated trees (attract strikes)
- Cliff overhangs (ground current traps)
- Tents (zero protection)
- Open fields (you become the target)
- Mountain peaks/ridges (highest points)
- Near water (excellent conductor)
- Metal structures (pavilions, dugouts)
Group Safety Protocol
If caught as a group:
- Spread out 50+ feet apart
- Prevents multiple casualties from single strike
- Allows uninjured to provide aid
- Use visual/voice contact only
- Never huddle together
Wilderness-Specific Strategies
Mountain Safety:
- Start hikes early (storms typically afternoon)
- Plan to be below treeline by noon
- Descend immediately if storm approaches
- Avoid summit attempts in unstable weather
Water Activities:
- Exit water immediately
- Beach = extreme danger zone
- Move inland at least 100 yards
- Avoid boat masts or fishing rods
Camping Safety:
- Set camp in low areas (not valleys that flood)
- Avoid tallest trees
- Stay away from tent poles during storms
- Sleep on insulating pad, not ground
Lightning Strike First Aid
Lightning victims do NOT carry electrical charge—safe to touch immediately
Immediate Actions:
- Move to safety if ongoing threat
- Call 911 immediately
- Check ABCs: Airway, Breathing, Circulation
- Start CPR if no pulse/breathing
- Continue longer than normal (lightning victims often recover after prolonged CPR)
Common Lightning Injuries:
Cardiac arrest (primary cause of death)
- Begin CPR immediately
- Use AED if available
- Continue until help arrives
Burns:
- Entry/exit wounds (treat as electrical burns)
- Flash burns from superheated air
- Contact burns from metal objects
- Cool with water, cover with sterile dressing
Neurological damage:
- Confusion, amnesia
- Paralysis (often temporary)
- Hearing loss
- Vision problems
Blast injuries:
- Ruptured eardrums
- Broken bones from being thrown
- Internal injuries
The Reverse Triage Protocol
In multiple-victim lightning strikes:
Treat "dead" victims FIRST
This reverses normal triage because:
- Lightning victims in cardiac arrest can often be revived
- Those conscious will likely survive
- Immediate CPR dramatically improves outcomes
Prevention Planning
Before Your Trip:
- Check weather forecasts obsessively
- Know typical storm patterns for area
- Plan bailout options for exposed sections
- Carry weather radio or satellite communicator
- Download lightning detection apps
Daily Decisions:
- Start exposed activities before dawn
- Turn back at first sign of storms
- Never summit "just to bag the peak"
- Cancel plans if weather uncertain
Lightning Myths Debunked
Myth: Lightning never strikes twice
Truth: Lightning often strikes same spot repeatedly
Myth: Rubber shoes protect you
Truth: Lightning jumps miles through air—inches of rubber meaningless
Myth: Lying flat is safest
Truth: Increases ground current exposure—stay crouched
Myth: Metal attracts lightning
Truth: Height and isolation matter more—but metal conducts deadly current
Myth: You’re safe in a cave
Truth: Only deep, dry caves safe—shallow caves extremely dangerous
Regional Considerations
High-Risk Areas:
- Florida (lightning capital of US)
- Colorado Rockies (afternoon storms)
- Sierra Nevada (sudden weather changes)
- Appalachian ridges (exposed hiking)
Seasonal Patterns:
- Summer: Peak lightning season most areas
- Monsoon regions: Predictable afternoon storms
- Spring/Fall: Unpredictable severe weather
- Winter: Rare but possible (thundersnow)
Technology and Tools
Lightning Detection:
- Apps: WeatherX, My Lightning Tracker
- Devices: Portable lightning detectors
- Weather radios: NOAA alerts
- Visual: Count flash-to-bang time
Communication:
- Satellite messengers for emergency evacuation
- Cell phones in waterproof cases
- Emergency whistles for group coordination
The Bottom Line
"When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors"
No outdoor activity is worth dying for. Lightning is one of nature’s most dangerous phenomena, and mountains/wilderness areas amplify the risk exponentially. Respect the power, plan meticulously, and never hesitate to retreat.
Remember: You can always return another day, but only if you survive today.