Quick Answer
Crouching is not the safest position during a lightning storm, as it may not effectively lower your risk of being struck. A safer position would be to assume the "lightning crouch" with your feet together, then crouching low, or better yet, to immediately seek shelter.
Avoiding Common Lightning Strike Zones
When in an open area during a lightning storm, avoid standing near tall objects like trees, power poles, or flagpoles. These objects can attract lightning due to their height, and being near them increases your risk of being struck. In a typical lightning storm, 75% of cloud-to-ground lightning strikes occur within 10 miles of the parent thunderstorm, so it’s essential to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions accordingly.
Seeking Shelter
If you’re caught in a lightning storm outdoors, your primary goal should be to seek shelter immediately. Look for a sturdy building or a hard-topped vehicle with the windows closed. If no shelter is available, crouch low with your feet together and your head down, minimizing your exposure to the elements. Avoid taking shelter in areas with metal objects, such as golf courses, beaches, or swimming pools. If you’re in a group, spread out and avoid clustering together, as this can increase your risk of being struck.
The Lightning Crouch Position
While crouching is not the safest position during a lightning storm, assuming the lightning crouch can be effective in lowering your risk of being struck. To do this, stand with your feet together and your weight evenly distributed on the balls of your feet. Then, crouch low, keeping your back straight and your head down. This position reduces your exposure to the elements and can help protect you from lightning strikes. Keep in mind, however, that this position is not as effective as seeking shelter in a sturdy building or hard-topped vehicle.
Find more answers
Browse the full Q&A library by topic, or jump back to the topic this question belongs to.