Let’s not call others clueless unless we really understand the problem. Even then, it’s not a polite thing to say, even to a person who really is clueless.
“Running” has nothing to do with it. Motion does not attract lightning. You will get even wetter squatting on the ground than if you run to shelter. I did check the experts, and here’s an example of what I found:
The number one item on the list is to get to shelter.
If you run, you will get there much faster than if you squat. Squatting is the last item on the list, and is done only in one very special circumstance.
If you know lightning is about to strike, (your hair stands on end), that is when you squat down to avoid being a lightning rod. (This usually happens in the mountains.) Otherwise, squatting in a puddle in a thunderstorm is a really bad idea.
Joy had the right idea in running to shelter. It’s just that trees (especially high, solitary ones) are lightning targets, not shelters. So you are correct with a slight modifying phrase: Do not run to solitary trees in a thunderstorm.
Oh, and using a large umbrella with a long steel spike at the top is a very bad idea also. I see that a lot, and it makes me cringe.
Let’s not call others clueless unless we really understand the problem. Even then, it’s not a polite thing to say, even to a person who really is clueless.
“Running” has nothing to do with it. Motion does not attract lightning. You will get even wetter squatting on the ground than if you run to shelter. I did check the experts, and here’s an example of what I found:
http://www.usatoday.com/weather/resources/safety/wtstorm.htm
The number one item on the list is to get to shelter. If you run, you will get there much faster than if you squat. Squatting is the last item on the list, and is done only in one very special circumstance.
If you know lightning is about to strike, (your hair stands on end), that is when you squat down to avoid being a lightning rod. (This usually happens in the mountains.) Otherwise, squatting in a puddle in a thunderstorm is a really bad idea. Joy had the right idea in running to shelter. It’s just that trees (especially high, solitary ones) are lightning targets, not shelters. So you are correct with a slight modifying phrase: Do not run to solitary trees in a thunderstorm.
Oh, and using a large umbrella with a long steel spike at the top is a very bad idea also. I see that a lot, and it makes me cringe.