HOW TO Stay Safe in a Lightning Storm | Hiking in a Thunderstorm | Lightning Safety Tips

[@AdventureOtaku]

Hey, NOLS wilderness med instructor here, and this is something that we taught (until covid, when it was removed) This was great, and was on the money, except for one thing. Metal doesn't attract lightning (or electricity in general) but it is a conductor of electricity. You aren't more likely to get struck if you are holding your phone or in your tent. The reason at NOLS that we tell people to get in their tent is A) they can be on a pad which MAY offer some protection from ground current. but more importantly B) you're protected from the elements, so you don't have to worry about things like hypothermia. But great video! thanks for posting it!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you so much for sharing this information here! I want to keep these videos a dialog, especially when folks like you have the most updated recommendations. 😊 I really respect what you guys do at NOLS, and it’s super helpful to know what you’re teaching, and how people can best stay safe. Thank you again!

[@anorthosite]

Wearing metal in contact with skin (like a necklace) can result in additional localized second or third degree burns, IF you are struck. But, of course, the concern at that point is simply that you are among the 80% who survive the strike itself. I remember reading about a guy who was struck while wearing (non-wireless) earbuds. The current through the wire shocked his jaw muscles, making him clench so hard that he broke his jaw. One more reason Not to listen to music, when you should instead be enjoying the wilderness (and aware of your surroundings).

[@AdventureOtaku]

@@anorthosite yeah, if I get struck by lightning the least of my worries is my extensive jewelry collection (sarcasm, other than a pair of earrings, there is none)

[@Amelia-vk4jt]

Had a bad thunderstorm sneak up on my group in the Hungarian plains, our tents were already set up when it hit and we saw lightning strikes hitting trees in the distance so we quickly turned off our phones left our tents and most of our stuff and got out to our van and then stayed in our van that night, we were wet and miserable but safe. Happy that this video was recommended to me great advice ye got a new subscriber!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Welcome aboard! Glad you guys were able to get somewhere safe!

[@hikewithmike4673]

I have been stuck in a few thunderstorms camping in Florida the lightning capital of the world, it can be scary but the mountain camping in a thunderstorm seem terrifying!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Absolutely! It's humbling in any case!

[@RoscoPColetraneIII]

Very informative. Thank you very much. Your video has made a big difference for me.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

I appreciate that! Stay safe out there!

[@just_insane_tv]

Thank you for this great Video 😊

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Stay safe out there!

[@JoshuaJohnsonOutdoors]

Good video, Switchback. A friend of mine got hit by lightning a few years back, and ever since I've been pretty cautious about it myself. The consequences for her were pretty nasty.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

How scary! I hope she's okay, but yeah, the effects of a strike are generally long-lasting. I can certainly understand your caution.

[@UnlikelyHiker]

I may or may not have gotten stuck in a bad hail/lightning storm at 12,300 feet…man that was terrifying. Had to set my flooded tent up. It was so cold. Clearly I survived. Most type 2 fun I ever had 😂

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Oh man! The ones like that where you are just grateful you survived make the best stories later! 🤣 Even if you want to cry in the moment!

[@UnlikelyHiker]

@@WanderingSwitchback I knew what to do but didn’t want to lol! It does make a great story since it ended well 😀

[@RoGameReview]

really useful tips, here in Romania we have the Carpatians and it is always stressful to hike during summer dayse because of the impredictible weather, not the rain itself is the problem it is the lightning and the slippery rock

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Yes, those elements often pose more of a risk than the rain itself. I love hikes in the rain, but it certainly changes for what I'm on alert.

[@steveglennan]

Good info!

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you, Steve! Stay safe out there! 🌩️

[@tyroneandrews]

TYRONE watching during a storm 😮😊

[@WanderingSwitchback]

They are mesmerizing!

[@georgearmstrong5640]

The worst lightening storms I have been in occurred in July so I just don't go in July any more. Both times it would have probably been more dangerous for me to try and pack up, then hike out since it would have been dark AND raining/hailing, so I just decided to say my prayers and get in my tent. At least I would be warm and dry. One storm lasted almost the whole night so I barely slept. In the morning, as soon as there was enough light I packed up and got the heck out of there. I returned to the same spot a couple of years later in September and the weather was perfect.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Glad you made it out of there safely, George! Weather can certainly be scary and dangerous, and it’s so important to stay aware of the risks and what time of year they tend to hit where you’re headed.

[@hikingadventureswithshanba1365]

Thanks for the great info. Was that your xmid? I have the 2P

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you! Yes, it was. I’m hoping to get the 2P next time they’re available. Such amazing tents!!

[@Travelandcamping]

You are Awesome ❤

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you! 😊

[@Travelandcamping]

@@WanderingSwitchback do you have facebook page?

[@WanderingSwitchback]

@@Travelandcamping I do! facebook.com/WanderingSwitchback/?ref=py_c

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Thank you for watching! Please consider SUBSCRIBING as a FREE way to help support the channel! Likes, comments and shares also help spread the word! THANK YOU!

[@chess747]

My mates uncle, was walking on the beach, lighting hit him, and blew him to bits, there was nothing left of him, just his feet. He just evaporated into thin air, freaky, I think.

[@WanderingSwitchback]

Whoa! It sounds like he didn’t suffer, at least. You don’t hear of it happening like that often!