Originally Posted by
wphamilton
Regarding the "
lightning crouch"
The NWS rather gives guidelines on avoiding the situation in the first place. But when it happens:
Avoid open areas.
Don’t be or be near the tallest objects in the area.
Don’t shelter under tall or isolated trees.
In the woods, put as much distance between you and any tree.
If in a group, spread out so that you increase the chances for survivors who could come to the aid of any victims from a lightning strike.
Unfortunatly the lighning crouch is the only opting if there is no shelter.
Lying flat on the ground could let lightning that strikes near you discharge through your body since there is less resistance through your body than the ground. lying down will make it travel through and around your heart.
Standing up makes you more likely to be directly hit.
Its true that the crouch does barely anything, but its still better than the only alternatives that you have when stuck in the middle of nowhere.
building>car>tunnel> ditch >lightning position> lying down > standing up