RE: [Paddlewise] Lightning and Space Blanket

From: Matt Broze <mkayaks_at_oz.net>
Date: Wed, 29 Oct 2003 19:10:55 -0800
Among many other things to do, PeterO wrote: "curl up under a stable bank".
I don't think that is a good idea around lightning. It might make you more
vulnerable to the ground currents radiating from a nearby lightning strike
(especially if you become the shortest distance between the top of the bank
and the ground your contacting below). Mountaineering texts I've seen
suggest sitting up above ground preferably on top of your pack in such
conditions and avoiding the usual shelters you might seek in rain like
overhangs, shallow caves or any other places where the ground current might
go through you (or where an exploding tree might kill you).

Matt Broze
www.marinerkayaks.com
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Received on Wed Oct 29 2003 - 19:11:13 PST

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