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[RC] Lightning Safety Outdoors - Pam Salem

> ________________________________________________________________________>
>  Lightning Safety Outdoors
>  (Copied from the website of the US National Weather Service, Office of  Climate, Water, and Weather Services.  Editor has deleted some material  not relevant to horseback riding.)
>
>  The capricious nature of thunderstorms makes them extremely dangerous;
> however, following proven lightning safety guidelines can reduce your risk
> of injury or death. You are ultimately responsible for your personal
> safety. You have the responsibility to act when threatened by lightning.
>  No place is absolutely safe from lightning; however, some places are much
> safer than others. The safest location during lightning activity is an
> enclosed building. The second safest location is an enclosed metal
> vehicle, car, truck, van, etc., but NOT a convertible, bike or other
> topless or soft-top vehicle.
>
>  When a Safe Location Is Not Nearby:
>  The lightning safety community reminds you that there is NO safe place to
> be outside in a thunderstorm.  If you absolutely can't get to safety, this
> section is designed to help you lessen the threat of being struck by
> lightning while outside.
>
>  Being stranded outdoors when lightning is striking nearby is a harrowing
> experience. Your first and only truly safe choice is to get to a safe
> building or vehicle. If are camping, climbing, on a motorcycle or bicycle,
> boating, scuba diving, or enjoying other outdoor activities and cannot get
> to a safe vehicle or shelter, follow these last resort tips.
>
>    a.. Do NOT seek shelter under tall isolated trees! The tree may help
> you stay dry but will significantly increase your risk of being struck by
> lightning.  Rain will not kill you, but the lightning can!
>    b.. Do NOT seek shelter under partially enclosed buildings.
>    c.. Stay away from tall, isolated objects.  Lightning typically strikes
> the tallest object. That may be you in an open field or clearing.
>    d.. Know the weather patterns of the area.  For example, in mountainous
> areas, thunderstorms typically develop in the early afternoon, so plan to
> hike early in the day and be down the mountain by noon.
>    e.. Know the weather forecast.  If there is a high chance of
> thunderstorms, curtail your outdoor activities.
>    f.. Do not place your campsite in an open field on the top of a hill or
> on a ridge top.  Keep your site away from tall isolated trees or other
> tall objects.  If you are in a forest, stay near a lower stand of trees.
> If you are camping in an open area, set up camp in a valley, ravine, or
> other low area.  A tent offers NO protection from lighting.
>    g.. Wet ropes can make excellent conductors.  This is BAD news when it
> comes to lightning activity.  If you are mountain climbing and see
> lightning, and can do safely, remove unnecessary ropes extended or
> attached to you.  If a rope is extended across a mountain face and
> lightning makes contact with it, the electrical current will likely travel
> along the rope, especially if it is wet.
>    h.. Stay away from metal objects, such as fences, poles and backpacks.
> Metal is an excellent conductor.  The current from a lightning flash will
> easily travel for long distances
>  Lightning struck the fence, and the current traveled along the fence
> killing the cows.
>
>  If lightning is in the immediate area, and there is no safe location
> nearby, get into the lightning desperation position.  Crouch down but do
> NOT lay down.  Bend your knees down while keeping your feet together.
>
>  Carry a portable NWR or listen to the radio.
>
>    a.. If you see threatening skies in the distance and you are passing a
> safe location, pull over and wait 30 minutes after the last thunder crack.
>    b.. If you can turn around and get away from the storm, do so!
>    c.. DO NOT ride into a lighting storm!
>  If you absolutely cannot get to a safe building or vehicle, here are some
> last resort choices:
>
>    a.. Wait out the storm below an overpass. DO NOT touch steel girders.
> Move away from your bike. Remain on the dry surfaces if possible.
> Overpasses are engineered structures and are likely to be properly
> grounded. Although an overpass is likely to be higher than the surrounding
> landscape, if it is struck by lightning, the electrical current will
> likely be channeled safely into the ground.
>    b.. Look for a bridge. Stay away from water. Stay away from any metal
> surfaces. Be alert for rapidly rising water if under a bridge.
>    c.. High tension wires: If high voltage electrical tension wires cross
> the road, you may want to seek shelter directly underneath these wires. Do
> not get too close to the large metal towers that hold up these wires. Stay
> at least 50 feet away. Electric companies design these high tension wires
> for lightning strikes. If lighting should strike the wires or towers, the
> current is designed to safely go deep into the ground.
>  IMPORTANT: These recommendations are a last resort. You are NOT safe in
> these places just marginally safer than in the open.
>
>    a.. If you are caught in the open and lightning is occurring within 5
> miles, STOP riding, get off of your motorcycle/bicycle, find a ditch or
> other low spot and get into the lightning desperation position.
>    b.. Motorcyclists should move at least 50 feet away from their bike.
> Bicyclist should lay their bikes on the ground.