Need help right now?
If someone needs immediate help with lightning outdoors, use emergency mode.
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DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Thunderstorm with lightning while you are outside in open terrain.
The essentials if you need to act right now.
Get indoors or in car. Avoid trees and water. Crouch if no shelter.
What might I see? Observable signs — no diagnosis required.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Thunder within 30 seconds of lightning flash — storm is close.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Hair standing up or crackling metal indicates imminent strike risk.
Optional deeper explanation — not required to act.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Lightning strikes the tallest object in an area and travels through ground and metal.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Open fields, beaches, and hilltops are highest risk.
Check the scene before you approach.
Civilian-safe actions you can take.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Move to building or metal-roof vehicle immediately.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Leave water, boats, and open high ground.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — In vehicle: windows up, avoid touching metal frame.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — If exposed: crouch on insulated pad with feet together.
When and how to get professional help.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Seek hard-cover shelter. Do not continue outdoor activity during lightning.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Call 112 if someone is struck — lightning victims need CPR immediately.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Report wildfire from lightning strike if smoke visible.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Lightning strike victims are safe to touch — start CPR if not breathing.
Dangerous actions, when not to attempt rescue, and common myths.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT shelter under single tall trees.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Do NOT lie flat on ground — increases ground current path through body.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Rubber boots fully protect you from lightning
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Lightning can travel through ground and nearby objects. Enclosed shelter is the only reliable protection.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — False confidence staying exposed in open terrain.
Other scenarios in the same family.
Aftershock
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — The ground shakes again after the main earthquake.
Avalanche warning
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Avalanche danger is high on slopes where you are traveling or living.
Buried in avalanche
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — You or someone nearby is buried in avalanche snow.
Compound disaster
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Multiple disasters overlap — e.g. earthquake and tsunami, cyclone and flood.
DEVELOPMENT FIXTURE — Burns and cardiac arrhythmia need emergency evaluation even if conscious.