When Lightning Strikes

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DON'T LIE DOWN

But let's say you can't make it to a building or a car; let's say you're hiking out in the middle of an open field. Whatever you do, don't lie flat on the ground. Instead, crouch on the balls of your feet, with your feet together to minimize your contact with the ground, and put your hands over your ears to protect yourself from acoustic shock. If you're in a group, spread out, with at least 20 feet between each person. That will decrease the risk of more than one person getting hit.

The good news is that most people struck by lightning do survive. But you should call 911 immediately. If someone is unconscious, but breathing, they'll likely recover on their own. But don't hesitate to move them to a safer spot, if possible. Don't worry, you won't get electrocuted if you touch someone struck by lightning. So if they're not breathing, start mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, blowing in a breath every five seconds. And if you can't feel a pulse in the victim's carotid artery at the side of their neck, start cardiac compressions on their chest.

Two factoids to remind you how dangerous lightning is: The air within a strike can reach 50,000 degrees F. And you're 30 times more likely to die from a lightning strike than from a shark attack.