1, 2, 3...STRIKE! BUT IT'S DEFINITELY NOT THAT SPARK!

See those tall, bright white clouds? Feel those goosebumps? That sweet spark around the corner? No, that’s not Cupid about to strike you. That might be lightning about to strike so better start high stepping and GTFO!

You never know when Cupid’s gonna hit you but you might know when a lightning strike would. Curious yet? Although the odds of being struck by lightning in a given year are less than 1 in a million, better stock up some knowledge! Getting struck by lightning causes excruciating pain, so it is always better to be safe than sorry.

Read down below for tips on how to survive a lightning strike, yeehaw.

1. See that fluffy cloud?

They are better known as the "cumulonimbus clouds" but do not get fooled by them! These fluffy clouds are great to see on clear skies. But if you see them during a storm or dark clouds, they could mean lightning is about to strike.

2. When thunder roars, go indoors!

A common misconception a vast majority of people have is that a thunderstorm should be near you before a lightning storm becomes a threat. A lightning storm can strike as far as 10 miles from the thunderstorm and these storms move fast so you should start high stepping ASAP to avoid lightning injuries. Getting lightning struck can always be avoided if you follow this simple 

3. Keep counting!

Remember the 30-30 rule to determine the threat of lighting. Count the seconds between seeing lightning and hearing the last thunderclap. If this time took less than 30 seconds, the lighting is near enough to be threatening. Also, seek shelter after seeing lightning if you cannot count to 30 before hearing thunder. Stay low or in your shelter for 30 minutes after you hear thunder.

4. Feel those goosebumps?

Before nearby lightning strikes, static energy will fill the air around the area, causing you to feel that chill all over your body and you’d notice your hair are standing, too. Most often, you’d feel this sense of foreboding as your environment tries to warn you of an immediate threat so start seeking shelter if you’re caught outside.

If no shelter is available, stay small and crouch! Do not lie on the ground as the lightning strike can cause currents to flow on the ground, too. Remember the lightning crouch: Squat or sit in a tight ball position, wrap your arms around your legs. Keep your feet together and touching, head lowered, ears covered, and eyes closed.

5. Goosebumps? Check. Now, you can almost taste something metallic

This may sound odd but before lightning strikes, electrical stimulation can lead to a metallic taste, including electrical discharge from batteries. If you got this, more likely, you are already experiencing some form of electrical current, so you should immediately get out from under the open sky.

6. You Start to Get Dizzy or Sweat, but not from the adrenaline!

Don’t faint yet, man! If you start getting dizzy or sweaty, a lightning strike is impending. This feeling of dizziness and sweating is caused by the shock wave of the electrical charge from the lightning bolt messing with your nervous system or causing nervous system damage and warming your body, as hearts run on electrical current. Some people have even experienced cardiac arrest.

7. You Can Hear Vibrating, Buzzing Sounds

Although you aren't feeling anything electrical, you may be able to hear a buzzing or crackling sound on the metal objects near you. Do not touch any of these items in case of a direct strike from a lightning bolt. Make sure to keep a safe distance as electricity can still arc towards you even if you aren't touching the electrical equipment. Keep away from all utility lines and electronic devices that conduct electricity to avoid lightning and electrical injury caused by direct strikes. In order to survive when lightning hits nearby, this is one of the most important tips to remember. Lightning strike victims will all tell you that they wish they knew about these lightning safety tips beforehand.

Above all, do not panic! As a Battlbox member, you can learn how to survive when SHTF. Whether you are a beginner or an avid prepper-survivalist, we guarantee you’ll also be able to know what to do in any disaster.

Don’t let Cupid, err, Thor sneak up on you with his lightning bolt! Sign up now and get the most out of your subscription!