And now: how not to be struck by lightning?

Getting struck by lightning sounds like one of those rare things that will never happen to you, but just pull back and you will remember the news that eventually appears in the media of people who have survived the lightning strike.

So just as it is important to know how to defend yourself from a fierce dog, knowing what to do just moments before lightning strikes can be critical to ensuring your safety. With this in mind, The Art of Manliness team has created a brief illustrated guide with some steps you should take when in danger. Check the instructions in the illustration (clockwise):

1. Crouch like a baseball catcher . Lower as much as you can. The closer you get to the ground, the less likely you are to be struck by lightning. But never lie down!
2. If the ends of your hair begin to lift or your skin begins to tingle, lightning is imminent. Immediately stay in the crouch position. However, be aware that lightning can fall even without these signals.
3. Place your hands over your ears to minimize hearing loss because of the loud thunder that will pass very close to you.
4. Your toes should be the only part to touch the floor. The lightning can strike the ground first and then enter your body. The less contact with the ground, the less likely electricity is to enter your body.
5. Touch your heels. If electricity from the floor enters through your foot, it increases the chances that it will enter through one foot and out the other instead of through the rest of your body.
6. Do not touch anything that could be a driver.

In addition to knowing these tips, the site also provides some information so you can prevent yourself during a lightning storm. The first (and most obvious) is to avoid open places. But if you are unprepared, you can identify a critical moment.

To do this, follow the 30 rule, which works as follows: As soon as you see lightning, start counting to 30. If you hear thunder before you reach number 30, try to get into a building or a car and not get out until 30 minutes of the last thunder you can hear.

If there is nowhere to hide during a lightning storm, seek shelter in a low, dense forest area. It is preferable to stand among low trees, but try not to get too close to them. Above all, avoid tall, isolated objects - such as trees and poles - as lightning tends to hit the highest elements in a region.

Finally, if you are outdoors, look for a low area - such as a valley or a ravine - but be careful not to come in contact with water as it is a conductor of electricity.

* Originally posted on 30/04/2014.