# AI advises crouching in a single pillar or column during a lightning storm for protection (increased side flash risk)

- **ID:** `disaster/lightning-single-pillar-myth`
- **Domain:** disaster
- **Category:** life_threatening
- **Verification:** ai_generated
- **Fix Rate:** 15%

## Root Cause

A single pillar or column does not provide a low-resistance path to ground; lightning can side flash from the pillar to a person, and the pillar may conduct current through the ground.

## Workarounds

1. **Seek shelter inside a fully enclosed building or a hard-topped metal vehicle. Example: 'Enter a house or a car with windows closed; avoid open structures like picnic shelters or bus stops.'** (90% success)
   ```
   Seek shelter inside a fully enclosed building or a hard-topped metal vehicle. Example: 'Enter a house or a car with windows closed; avoid open structures like picnic shelters or bus stops.'
   ```
2. **If no shelter is available, crouch low in a low-lying area away from tall objects. Example: 'Find a ditch or depression, crouch on the balls of your feet with feet together, and cover your ears.'** (65% success)
   ```
   If no shelter is available, crouch low in a low-lying area away from tall objects. Example: 'Find a ditch or depression, crouch on the balls of your feet with feet together, and cover your ears.'
   ```

## Dead Ends

- **** — Contact with the pillar increases the risk of direct strike or side flash through the body. (90% fail)
- **** — Metal pillars attract lightning and conduct current, increasing the danger of electrocution. (95% fail)
- **** — Wood can be wet or conduct current if struck, and the pillar does not provide a Faraday cage effect. (85% fail)