If you explain it without abstruse physical terms, then lightning always strikes the highest object. Because lightning is an electric discharge, and it passes along the path of less resistance. That is why he will first of all hit the tallest tree in the field and the tallest building in the city. For example, lightning strikes the Ostankino TV Tower about 50 times a year!

The length of the lightning can be up to 20 km, and its diameter is from 10 to 45 cm. Lightning "lives" tenths of a second, and its average speed is 150 km / s. At the same time, the current in the lightning reaches 200,000 A.

What to do if lightning catches you in an open area

Do not hide under tall trees, especially single ones. Deciduous trees, such as oak and poplar, are considered the most dangerous in this case. But lightning hits coniferous trees much less often, because they have essential oils that have electrical resistance (by the way, linden, walnut and beech are also in the safety zone, they also have oils). At the same time, getting into bushes or low thickets is extremely unlikely.
In an open space, it is best to hide in a pit or trench. At the same time, in no case do not lie down on the ground: it is better to sit down, slightly bending your head so that it is not higher than the surrounding objects. Keep your legs together to reduce the area of possible damage.
Don't run. The airflow that you create when running can attract ball lightning.
Fold the umbrella and disconnect the mobile, as well as get rid of other metal objects: fold them at a safe distance (at least 15 m).
If there are two or three of you, everyone should find a separate shelter for themselves, because our body is an excellent conductor for discharge.
Do not swim in reservoirs during thunderstorms. If the bad weather caught you by surprise, do not run out of the water and do not wave your arms. Calmly and slowly exit the reservoir.
If you are in the mountains, avoid sharp ledges and elevations.

How to know that lightning is about to strike

If you are in an open area and suddenly feel that your hair is standing on end, and your skin is slightly tingling, or you feel a vibration coming from objects, it means that it is about to burst.

Such sensations appear 3-4 seconds before a lightning strike. Immediately bend forward, putting your hands on your knees (in no case on the ground!), put your heels together so that the discharge does not pass through the body.

What to do if you are indoors during a thunderstorm

Close the windows, windows and doors.
Disconnect the electrical appliances from the sockets.
Move away from windows and metal objects.
If you need to make an urgent call, do it right after the lightning discharge — and quickly.

What happens if lightning strikes a person

When a person is struck by lightning, the discharge causes general disturbances. Burns or tree-like red stripes may form in the places where the lightning entered and where it left. If the lesion was weak, there is tinnitus, general weakness.

But with a severe lesion, a person may faint, his body temperature drops sharply, his heartbeat slows down, breathing may stop. But the victim can still be saved in time.

Is it possible to survive after being struck by lightning

Yes. Firstly, despite the high temperature during the discharge, the effect does not last very long and does not always lead even to serious burns.

Secondly, the main current often passes over the surface of the body, so in most cases a lightning strike is not fatal. According to various estimates, death occurs in 5-10% of cases.

The probability of survival increases if there is a person nearby who knows how to do artificial respiration and heart massage. Even if a person seems dead, be sure to try to give him first aid. Because there is always a chance of survival!

How to provide first aid when struck by lightning

The victim must be placed on a hard surface.
If a person is lucky and he just has a shock (loss of speech, fainting), try to bring him out of this state. If you happen to have ammonia with you, use it. Call an ambulance.
If a person is unconscious and not breathing, mouth-to-mouth artificial respiration and indirect heart massage should be performed as soon as possible.
Try non-stop resuscitation. You have a maximum of 15 minutes, after which the chances of salvation in a severe defeat are extremely small.