disaster life_threatening ai_generated true

AI advises lying flat on the ground during a lightning storm to minimize height

ID: disaster/lightning-crouch-flat-ground-myth

Also available as: JSON · Markdown · 中文
80%Fix Rate
87%Confidence
1Evidence
2023-08-20First Seen

Root Cause

Lying flat increases the body's contact area with the ground, raising the risk of ground current injury from nearby lightning strikes. The correct action is the lightning crouch: feet together, squat low, minimize contact with the ground.

generic

中文

平躺会增加身体与地面的接触面积，提高附近雷击时地面电流损伤的风险。正确的做法是闪电蹲姿：双脚并拢，蹲低，尽量减少与地面的接触。

Official Documentation

https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning

Workarounds

  1. 85% success Assume the lightning crouch: squat low on the balls of your feet, heels together, head tucked, hands over ears. Minimize contact with the ground. Do not lie flat. 
    Assume the lightning crouch: squat low on the balls of your feet, heels together, head tucked, hands over ears. Minimize contact with the ground. Do not lie flat.
  2. 90% success If indoors, stay away from windows, doors, and electrical appliances. Do not use corded electronics. 
    If indoors, stay away from windows, doors, and electrical appliances. Do not use corded electronics.
  3. 95% success If in a vehicle, stay inside with windows rolled up. Avoid touching metal parts. 
    If in a vehicle, stay inside with windows rolled up. Avoid touching metal parts.

中文步骤

  1. Assume the lightning crouch: squat low on the balls of your feet, heels together, head tucked, hands over ears. Minimize contact with the ground. Do not lie flat.
  2. If indoors, stay away from windows, doors, and electrical appliances. Do not use corded electronics.
  3. If in a vehicle, stay inside with windows rolled up. Avoid touching metal parts.

Dead Ends

Common approaches that don't work:

  1. 90% fail

    Telling people to stand under a single tree for shelter increases lightning strike risk.

  2. 95% fail

    Recommending to hold a metal object like an umbrella attracts lightning.

  3. 85% fail

    Suggesting to lie flat in an open field as the safest position increases ground current danger.