What to do in case of a thunderstorm in the mountains?

A safe position is the main factor of protection from lightning strikes. If you are on steep slopes or ridges at the beginning of a thunderstorm, you need to speed up your pace and go down to a place that will protect you as much as possible from a direct lightning strike. When searching for a place, the rules are as follows:

The site should be as dry as possible.
There should be no trees nearby, it is also advisable to beware of steep slopes and rock protrusions. The distance is at least 1.5-2 meters.
A well-known rule is that lonely tall trees during a thunderstorm are not a protection, but a risk.
If there are no other options, the main thing is not to choose oaks or poplars. You can hide under willow and maple trees, they are the least likely to be hit by lightning.
A good option is bushes. Lightning almost never hits them.

What NOT to do when looking for a place to hide:

It is a mistake to think that the rock niches will save you from a lightning strike. The same applies to the hollows of the slope, or the hiding place at the far ends of the cave. And at the entrance, of course.
A fire during a thunderstorm is also dangerous - hot air conducts electricity better.
Anything related to water will not protect you. In any case, do not choose soils with a high content of water or clay.

When the place is already selected, take the correct position: sit down, pull your knees up to your chest and cover them with your hands.

It is also important to know that it is unacceptable to touch the ground or rocks during a thunderstorm. In order to isolate the body from the slope, use large stones or fragments of slabs, put small stones under them. What should I do if there are no stones or slabs nearby? Feel free to take sleeping bags or a backpack.

Another rule is that a group of tourists should be away from metal, so it is better to remove such items and leave them at least 13 meters away from people.

Remember, 3-4 seconds before the impact, there is a strange feeling-as if the hair is standing on end. Also, you begin to feel light vibrations from everything that is near you, a slight tingling begins to affect the skin. If you feel this , IMMEDIATELY lean forward, press your heels together and put your hands on your knees. Be careful in the mountains!