Backpacking
  Canoeing
  Kayaking
  Car Camping
  Day Hiking
  Other Activities
  Weekend Getaways
  Gear Reviews
  Food Reviews
  Backcountry Kitchen
  The Wild Side
  Safety & Survival
  Book Reviews
  Trail Mix
  Outdoor Photography
  Boredom Beaters
  Outdoor Influences
  Outdoor Girl
  Archives


  Discussion Forums
  Send an eGreeting
  Free Screensavers
  Desktop Wallpaper
  Contest Information
  Photo Gallery
  Submissions


  Currency Conversion
  Weather
  Planning Tools
  Other Resources
  Events


  Campgrounds
  Guided Tours
  Outfitters
  Stores
  Gear Manufacturers
  Gear Repairs
  Lodges & Cottages
  Bed & Breakfasts
  Outdoor Courses
  Charities
  Outdoor Associations
  Shows & Events




 

Thunderstorm Safety
What to do when you see a storm approaching
© Outdoor Adventure Canada

I have been involved in outdoor adventure for years and it still surprises me that many people, even seasoned outdoors people, do not fully understand what should be done in severe weather. I have been camping on lakeside sites and watched canoes go by with the occupants paddling like mad to get to a camp before they are struck by lightning. I've also witnessed crowds standing in sports field or huddled under a lone tree during an electrical storm to avoid getting wet.

Humans are roughly 80% water which is a good conductor of electricity. Air is considered a poor conductor, now lightning will travel thousands of feet through this poor conductor to find the path of least resistance. A tree, building, fence, lone person in a field or a family in a boat will all facilitate lightning's path to the ground.

If you are on a lake, get off, immediately! Do not race to the camp site, instead land on the shore or even someone else's camp site. I'm positive the residents of the campsite will understand. Once off the water move quickly inland to the lowest sheltered area you can find.

If you are in a field or open area, move to the trees (don't stand under a single tree though). Try to find an area that is treed (medium density) and a low spot if you can. Kneel down on a pad, if you have one, with your feet together and your head low. Try to keep your body contact with the ground to a minimum as ground currents can injure you as well.

If you are in group, try to spread out at least 100 feet. For the hikers and backpackers don't be afraid to ditch your pack if it's slowing you down especially if it has a metal internal or external frame. After all nothing in your pack is worth your life.

Storms at night are particularly dangerous, not from direct lightning strikes but more from ground currents. Lying on sleeping pads and air mattresses will offer little protection from electrocution. At the very least your heart will probably stop. If you are in a campground your safest course is to move to the inside of your vehicle.

The rules to survival are simple:

If you are on the water, exposed ridge, mountain, cliff, field, etc. Seek a safe, low,   medium density treed area. Don't be the highest object around.

Don't huddle as a group spread out at least 100 feet

Minimize you contact with the ground, but remember to keep low.

Stay away from other conductors eg. Towers, fences, wires etc.

If you can get to a vehicle it is your safest place.

Don't assume the storm is over until at least 30 minutes have elapsed from
  the last flash of lightning

As a rule of thumb the time from the lightning flash to it thunder clap is roughly 1 mile for every five seconds.

Always remember, there is no warning for a lightning strike and it is not uncommon for a bolt to jump out of the cell and hit ground several miles away. All lightning can kill, even if it appears to be "heat lightning." The old saying "better safe than sorry" definitely applies here. Be storm smart and safe!

For more articles please view the archives.

 

top of page     

Home  |  About OAC  |  Advertising Information  |  Awards & Honours  |  Disclaimer  |  Contact Us

Outdoor Adventure Canada ™ Site Design by GJ Studios © 2001 - 2008

Use without permission is strictly prohibited. Permission to republish
content is granted on an individual case basis and requires written permission from GJ Studios.

Outdoor Adventure Canada, OutdoorAdventureCanada.com, OAC,
and the Outdoor Adventure Canada logo are all trademarks of GJ Studios.

Views and opinions expressed in the discussion forums are those of the participants and do
not necessarily reflect the views of Outdoor Adventure Canada.

By using this site you agree to the terms and conditions as set out in the disclaimer.
Please read the disclaimer for additional information.