Page 148 - Participant Manual

Box 7-8. Avoiding Lightning-Strike Injuries

Taking cover is the best strategy for preventing
lightning-strike injuries. If you are outdoors, seek cover
in a substantial building or a fully enclosed vehicle at
the first sound of thunder or sight of lightning, even if
it is not raining. Remember the 30/30 rule: take cover
when the time between a flash of lightning and a roll of
thunder is 30 seconds or less, and remain under cover
until 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning was
seen or the last roll of thunder was heard. If you are
outside and cannot reach safety inside of a building,
look for a low area. Avoid high ground, tall trees that
stand alone, wide-open spaces (such as meadows) and
structures such as sheds, dugouts, bleachers and picnic
pavilions. These areas are not safe in a thunderstorm.
If no safe shelter is available, squat with your feet together and your arms wrapped around your legs.
Stay low but do not lie flat. The less of your body that is in contact with the ground, the better.

Chapter 7 Environmental Injuries and Illnesses | 140 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual © 2011, 2016 The American National Red Cross. All rights reserved. Chapter 7 Environmental Injuries and Illnesses | 140 | First Aid/CPR/AED Participant’s Manual