SESKStuff Everyone Should Know
SESK: Stuff Everyone Should Know · sesk.info/lightning-group-spread-out

Your group is caught outside in a lightning storm with no shelter nearby. What should the group do?

Spread out, so one strike is less likely to hurt several people and others can give first aid.

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  1. Huddle close together
  2. Spread out from each other ✔
  3. Hold hands in a circle

Why: The National Weather Service says a group caught outside should spread out. This lowers the chance of several people being hurt by one strike and leaves others able to give first aid.

Huh, didn't know that: The Weather Service says if you camp in the backcountry, set up your tent in a low area away from tall, isolated trees.

The dad joke
How come a man driving a train got struck by lightning? He was a good conductor.
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References

Answer: Spread out from each other. The National Weather Service says a group caught outside should spread out. This lowers the chance of several people being hurt by one strike and leaves others able to give first aid.

  1. Outdoor Lightning Risk Reduction (National Weather Service) www.weather.gov/media/pub/pdf/Lightning/Ltg_Safety_Statements/04_wednesday_outdoor_risk_reduction.pdf
    If you are with a group of people, spread out, that way if someone is struck by lightning, the others can offer first aid.
    Checked 2026-10-11.

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Test yourself in the game

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That's stuff everyone should know.