disaster life_threatening ai_generated true

AI advises crouching in a single pillar or column during a lightning storm for protection

ID: disaster/lightning-pillar-myth

Also available as: JSON · Markdown · 中文
80%Fix Rate
85%Confidence
1Evidence
2024-07-15First Seen

Root Cause

A single pillar or column offers no protection from lightning strikes; it can act as a conductor and increase the risk of side flash or ground current.

generic

中文

单根柱子或立柱无法提供防雷保护；它可能成为导体，增加侧闪或地电流的风险。

Official Documentation

https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning-stay-safe

Workarounds

  1. 95% success Immediately move to a fully enclosed building with plumbing and wiring (e.g., a house or office). If indoors, avoid windows, doors, and plumbing fixtures. 
    Immediately move to a fully enclosed building with plumbing and wiring (e.g., a house or office). If indoors, avoid windows, doors, and plumbing fixtures.
  2. 85% success If no building is available, crouch low in a low-lying area away from tall objects, with feet together and hands on knees. Do not lie flat. 
    If no building is available, crouch low in a low-lying area away from tall objects, with feet together and hands on knees. Do not lie flat.
  3. 90% success Use the 30-30 rule: if time between lightning and thunder is less than 30 seconds, seek shelter immediately; wait 30 minutes after last thunder. 
    Use the 30-30 rule: if time between lightning and thunder is less than 30 seconds, seek shelter immediately; wait 30 minutes after last thunder.

中文步骤

  1. Immediately move to a fully enclosed building with plumbing and wiring (e.g., a house or office). If indoors, avoid windows, doors, and plumbing fixtures.
  2. If no building is available, crouch low in a low-lying area away from tall objects, with feet together and hands on knees. Do not lie flat.
  3. Use the 30-30 rule: if time between lightning and thunder is less than 30 seconds, seek shelter immediately; wait 30 minutes after last thunder.

Dead Ends

Common approaches that don't work:

  1. Huddle close to the pillar to reduce height 95% fail

    Close proximity increases the risk of side flash and ground current; the pillar provides no protective zone.

  2. Use a metal pillar for grounding 98% fail

    Metal pillars conduct lightning current directly, increasing electrocution risk.

  3. Crouch under a concrete pillar for insulation 90% fail

    Concrete can contain metal reinforcements that conduct lightning; insulation is not guaranteed.