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Make life-saving decisions
at lightning speed

In open terrain
If caught outdoors, there are two main dangers: First and foremost, being the
highest point around. And secondly, when lightning strikes near you. In this case,
the current is conducted to the ground and quickly spreads out in all directions,
forming a dangerous potential gradient.
For this reason, never lie flat on the ground if you are caught in the open during a
thunderstorm. Crouch down immediately, put your feet as close together as pos-
sible and wrap your arms around your legs.
Put down bicycles, golf bags or golf clubs and keep a distance of at least 1 m, or
even better 3 m, from these objects. Hollows, beds of stone pits or protruding
rocks may provide shelter. If you are in a group of people, spread out. It is vital to
keep a distance of at least 1 m, or even better 3 m, to walls, metal fences, etc.
Avoid trees, groves, edges of the forest and wood
poles of overhead lines since they are particularly vul-
nerable to lightning. The risk of being hit by a light-
ning strike inside a forest with trees of uniform height
is considerably lower, however, keep a distance from
all trees and limbs of 10 m.

Note!
Immediately crouch down if the time period between a flash and thunder is less
than five seconds! Put your feet as close together as possible, wrap your arms
around your legs and tuck your head in. Keep a distance of 3 m to the next person.
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