# AI advises crouching flat on the ground during a lightning storm to minimize height (increased ground current risk)

- **ID:** `disaster/lightning-crouch-flat-myth`
- **Domain:** disaster
- **Category:** life_threatening
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 75%

## Root Cause

Crouching flat on the ground during a lightning storm increases the risk of ground current traveling through the body; the correct action is to crouch on the balls of the feet, minimizing contact area with the ground.

## Workarounds

1. **Crouch on the balls of your feet, head tucked, hands over ears, minimizing contact with the ground. Use the 'lightning crouch' position.** (85% success)
   ```
   Crouch on the balls of your feet, head tucked, hands over ears, minimizing contact with the ground. Use the 'lightning crouch' position.
   ```
2. **Seek shelter in a substantial building or a hard-topped metal vehicle with windows rolled up. Avoid open fields, high ground, and isolated trees.** (95% success)
   ```
   Seek shelter in a substantial building or a hard-topped metal vehicle with windows rolled up. Avoid open fields, high ground, and isolated trees.
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **Lie completely flat on the ground to minimize height** — Increases ground current path through the body, leading to fatal electric shock (95% fail)
- **Hide under a tree to avoid being the tallest object** — Trees attract lightning and side flash can kill you (90% fail)
- **Stay in a metal vehicle with windows closed** — While safer than open ground, this is still dangerous if vehicle is not fully enclosed (60% fail)