Lightning

If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning! Seek shelter immediately!

Plan Around Lightning

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Lightning Details

Please remember: If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning! Seek shelter immediately! If Above Treeline: * Find the lowest point of open area and move there quickly. * Make sure the place you pick is not subject to flooding and no water is running through it. * On open ground, squat low on something dry (non-metal), keep your feet close together, make yourself the smallest possible object with the least contact with the ground. * Do Not Lie Down! If Below Treeline: * Move to a sturdy building or inside a hard topped car with the windows rolled up. * Get out of boats and away from water. * Avoid low spots with water running through or pooling. * In the woods, with no other options, take shelter under the shorter trees. Groups Have everyone be aware of changing weather and appoint someone to be a lightning and thunder lookout. Plan extra time to get everyone below treeline before a storm is upon you. If caught above treeline, spread out to avoid multiple victims through side flashes. Avoid During Lightning: * Alpine areas or mountaintops * Objects that stick up from the ground such as single trees * Water—either running through an area/campsite or pooling * Metal objects (in/on your pack, pots, tent poles, stove and pack frame) * Open areas * Shallow caves * Overhangs * Cell phones

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