On Fri, 27 Aug 2004 13:05:39 +0000 (UTC), Brendan DJ Murphy wrote:

"If your hair stands on end, or you feel a tingling sensation in
your skin, you are about to be struck by lightning. Immediately
crouch near the ground. Do not lie flat since that would increase
the amount of electrical current your body will receive if lightning
were to strike close to you."

Is this really true?

The not lying down makes sense. There are many documented cases of
livestock being found dead in a field after nearby strikes. The ground
currents near a strike are such that the animals get enough potential
difference between their feet to recieve a fatal shock.

Crouching with your head tucked between your knees, shoulders touching
your knees and your feet flat on the ground is supposed to be "best".
The theory being that you don't get struck on the head and fry your
brain and the charge goes from shoulder to knees and down to your feet
by passing your torso and the organs it contains. In theory, I don't
want to test it. B-)

--
Cheers
Dave. pam is missing e-mail