We’re emerging again from the shorter, colder winter days and into spring. And with the change in seasons comes a change in the potential hazards we face when we go outside to enjoy the outdoors. One of the hazards we face when we hike fish, hunt, golf, etc., is lightning. So, when you do find yourself caught out with lightning streaking overhead, there are a few things you should consider doing immediately and few things that you should never do. Here are a few tips to keep yourself safe when caught out in a lightning storm.
Shelter is important, but there are places to avoid when there’s lightning. For instance, when you are on a mountain you don’t want to be caught out on an exposed ridgeline or at the summit. If there is a storm with lightning, it’s a good idea to get lower on the mountain. Also, don’t seek shelter beneath a lone tree (folks have sought shelter beneath solitary trees on golf courses only to have the tree struck by lightning) or a picnic table or playground equipment; avoid anywhere where you or some other solitary object are tallest thing in the area.
It’s a good idea to take shelter in a cave if possible, or a low point in the terrain—valleys and narrow draws are lower than the surrounding terrain and can work in a pinch to either sit out a storm or as places to travel through to get to better shelter. When you can’t get to a quality shelter, remember to sit and minimize the size of your body. Tuck your head and keep your feet close together. It’s not a particularly enjoyable experience sitting out a lightning storm in a tucked position, but hopefully it will keep you safe while the lightning passes overhead.
Hopefully these tips will help to keep you safe when you are out playing this spring and summer, and hopefully you remember Reddig Equipment when you need a quality machine to help you work. If you have any questions about how Reddig Equipment can help you get your work done, then call today.
