Is It Safe To Run During Lightning

Most runners like to run outside, but sometimes the weather will prevent us from running outside. If you have ever been out running in a lightning storm, you will wonder is it safe to run during lightning. How should I keep myself safe during lightning? The answer to these questions isn’t as simple as yes or no; it depends on the circumstances. First, I will explain what lightning is.

What is Lightning

Lightning is a naturally occurring electrostatic discharge during which two electrically charged regions, both in the atmosphere or with one on the ground, temporarily neutralize themselves, causing the instantaneous release of an average of one gigajoule of energy. This discharge may produce a wide range of electromagnetic radiation, from the heat created by the rapid movement of electrons to brilliant flashes of visible light in the form of black-body radiation. In addition, lightning causes thunder, a sound from the shock wave which develops as gases in the vicinity of the discharge experience a sudden increase in pressure. Lightning occurs commonly during thunderstorms and other energetic weather systems, but volcanic lightning can also occur during volcanic eruptions.

Lightning is extremely dangerous, as a lightning strike can kill you. On average, over 50 reported deaths yearly, and many hundreds of people are permanently injured following a lightning strike. These injuries include memory loss, attention deficits, stiff joints, irritability, fatigue, weakness, muscle spasms, depression, and more.

Is It Safe To Run In Lightning

No, it isn’t safe to run in lightning, but there are a few things to consider when deciding this. If you get caught out running when there is lightning, think about the following:

– Distance of lightning

– Is there a safe place nearby

– if there is lightning, stay at home.

-Caught Outside with Nowhere safe nearby.

Distance of Lightning

It depends on how far away the lightning is. We can generally figure this out when there is thunder and lightning. We use the following rule. Sound travels at about 1 mile every 5 seconds. Count the seconds between the flash of lightning and the boom of thunder. If the time is 30 seconds, the lightning is 6 miles away. The rule of thumb is to seek shelter immediately if the seconds between the lightning and thunder are less than 30.

Is There A Safe Place Nearby

There are many myths about safe places from lightning. The tallest objects will generally attract lightning, so we should never take shelter under a tree as this is one of the most dangerous places.

Try and find shelter if you are caught out running. Avoid sheds and bus shelters with concrete floors as the steel bars inserted in them may conduct the lightning.

A Car is an excellent place to shelter, but try to keep your hands away from anything connected to the car body framework and keep windows closed.

If you are running and trying to find shelter, avoid water puddles, as water conducts electricity from lightning.

When running as a group, spread out as there is less chance of everybody getting hit then.

If there is Lightening Stay at home

Before you go running, if there is lightning, you should stay home. If there is a thunderstorm forecast, you should stay at home. If there are less than 30 seconds between thunder and lightning, we should stay home for at least another 30 minutes.

Caught Outside With Nowhere Safe Nearby

If you end up running in the countryside when a lightning storm suddenly strikes and it is nowhere safe nearby, stop running and curl yourself into a ball with as little contact with the ground as possible. Lower your head and cover your head and ears with your arms. Have your elbows resting on your knees so that if you get struck by lightning, the lightning will hopefully pass through your limbs rather than your body.

Final Thoughts

We now have looked at if it is safe to run in lightning and, if we are out running, what we should do to keep us safe. As lightning is extremely dangerous, numerous runners have been killed by not looking after their safety over the years.