Severe Weather Savvy: A Guide to Staying Safe Outdoors



The great outdoors beckons us with adventure, but it's important to be prepared for the ever-changing moods of Mother Nature. While some regions face the fury of tornadoes, many places, like the western slope of Colorado, experience powerful thunderstorms with threats of hail and lightning.

This article focuses on keeping you safe during severe weather events, specifically lightning storms.

Recognizing the Threat: When to Take Cover

  • Hear the Rumble: Thunder is the roar of lightning, not its cause. If you hear thunder, lightning is close enough to strike you. Don't wait for the flash!
  • See the Signs: Watch for dark, building clouds and approaching rain. These are nature's warning signs that a storm is brewing.
  • Lightning Detection Tools: Consider using a portable lightning detector for early warnings, especially if you work or spend a lot of time outdoors.

Seeking Safe Shelter: Your Best Defense

  • Halt Operations: When thunder is heard or threatening skies appear, stop outdoor activities immediately and seek safe shelter.
  • Solid Buildings: The safest place during a lightning storm is a fully enclosed, sturdy building with plumbing and wiring. This provides a grounded space for the current to dissipate.
  • Vehicles as Shelter: If a building is unavailable, a hard-topped metal vehicle can offer some protection. Roll up the windows and avoid touching metal components inside the car.
  • Unsafe Havens: Small sheds, open-air shelters, convertibles, and tents do not provide adequate protection from lightning strikes. Stay clear of these areas.

Additional Dangers to Avoid During a Lightning Storm

  • Tall Objects: Avoid isolated tall trees, hilltops, utility poles, cell phone towers, cranes, large equipment, ladders, and scaffolding. Lightning tends to strike the tallest object in an area.
  • Water: While lightning doesn't strike water directly, it can travel through it. Avoid bodies of water like lakes, pools, and beaches during a storm.
  • Metal Conductors: Stay away from metal fences, railings, pipes, and electrical equipment. Lightning can travel long distances through metal.

Staying Put: The Lightning Has Arrived

  • Remain Sheltered: Once you've found a safe haven, stay there for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder. Lightning can strike even after the storm appears to have passed.
  • Minimize Contact: During the storm, avoid contact with metal, water, and electrical equipment.

Remember: If you're caught outside with no safe shelter available, crouch low to the ground, making yourself as small a target as possible. Avoid lying flat or leaning against anything.

Beyond the Basics: Preparing for Severe Weather

  • Weather Monitoring: Stay informed about approaching storms by monitoring weather forecasts and warnings. There are many weather apps and websites that provide real-time updates.
  • Communication Plan: If you have a team working outdoors, establish a communication plan for notifying everyone of approaching storms.
  • Designated Shelters: Employers should designate safe shelters on worksites, ensuring they are easily accessible and clearly marked.
  • Lightning Safety Training: Regularly train workers on recognizing lightning dangers and proper safety procedures.

By following these steps, you can significantly reduce your risk of injury from lightning strikes and navigate severe weather events safely. Remember, a little preparation can go a long way in protecting yourself and others when the skies turn stormy.

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