by Rex Trulove

Created on: January 02, 2010

When you are camping and a lightning storm hits, it is valuable to know what to do, and it can save your life or those you love. Let's face it. If you are out in the wilds, it is likely you won't be able to conveniently duck into the shelter of a house or building. Knowing what to do out in camp when a lightning storm hits can be quite important.

A lightning bolt can generate 600,000 or more volts of electricity at high amperage. That is enough to fry a person or a pet, and to cause a tree to literally explode. It is well worth taking precautions in camp, when a lightning storm happens.

If you are in the water, get out as quickly as possible. This also means that if you are in a boat when the lightning storm approaches, you will want to get to shore with haste. Water is a great electrical conductor, so a bolt of lightning doesn't need to actually strike you. The water can easily carry enough current to kill or to cause serious injury. The same is also true of rivers and streams. Getting to dry land offers much more protection than staying in or near water.

If possible, get inside of a car during the lightning storm, roll up the windows, and try not to touch any metal surfaces until the storm passes. The tires of the vehicle help insulate you from nearby strikes. The reason it is wise to roll up the windows is because lightning doesn't follow a straight path, so a bolt can travel through an open window. This is a good idea anyway, since a hail fall or heavy rain is often the consequence of the storm.

Stay away from tall objects, such as trees. In a forest, this is difficult to do, but in such a case, do not shelter under the trees if you can help it. There are two reasons for this. First, while lightning can strike anywhere, it has a propensity for striking tall objects. The tree then acts as a conduit for the current, which can kill anything standing near the tree.

The second reason is less often talked about or thought of. A tree receiving a direct strike will often explode as moisture inside the tree is vaporized instantly. This presents the hazard of falling, and possibly burning, debris. Being hit by heavy branches can also cause severe injury or death.

One safety step is often not considered by most people. Remove any jewelry, watches, or electronic devices. Immediately following a lightning strike, the air is filled with static electricity, which is drawn to these items. Rings, a necklace, a cell phone, or a Walkman can then cause bad burns, even if the

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