This Eerie Warning Sign Means You're Dangerously Close To Lightning While Outdoors

When we spend time enjoying the great outdoors, it's important to remember that our safety isn't guaranteed. At times, nature can be unpredictable and dangerous. Whether you're camping, hiking, mountain biking, or even just picnicking outside — bad weather can come out of nowhere. When you see those storm clouds start to roll in, it's a good idea to get somewhere safe because you run the risk of being struck by lightning. If you start to feel your hair stand on end, you're in a very dangerous situation.

People aren't struck by lightning very often, but when it does happen, it's very serious. A single bolt of lightning can contain billions of watts of electrical power, which is enough to power a lightbulb for three months. Lightning can reach temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun. All of that energy can cause major problems for the human body. Lightning mainly damages the nervous system, and it can cause permanent brain damage. Cardiac arrest can also occur. Although most people who are struck by lightning do survive, many of them are left with lifelong problems including "cognitive impairment, slow reaction time, irritability, memory problems, chronic pain, headache, sleep problems, ringing in the ears, depression and personality changes," according to University Hospitals.

It's crucial to pay attention to nature's warning signs in order to avoid being struck by lightning, especially if you're traveling to one of the places you're most likely to be struck by lightning. If you're outdoors and you feel the eerie sensation of your hair floating around you, that's static electricity building up. There's a good chance that you're moments away from being struck by lightning.

If you scroll through social media, you may see videos of people outdoors as a storm rolls in, with their hair floating in the air around them. People often decide to film these moments because they find their staticky hair humorous, but perhaps they wouldn't find it funny if they knew how close they were to being struck. According to the National Weather Service, more people die from lightning strikes than hurricanes. It's estimated that thousands of people die from being hit by lightning around the world each year. 

Lightning is caused by an electrical field in the air that occurs during a thunderstorm. Negative charges build up in the clouds, and positive charges build up on the ground. Positive and negative charges are pulled towards each other, causing static electricity. When your hair stands straight up, it means that you are full of the positive charges that are trying to connect with the negative charges in the clouds. It is a clear indication that you are in danger of being struck by lightning. According to the National Weather Service, it should serve as "Nature's final warning."

Along with the hair on your head standing up, your body hair might also be affected. You may hear a crackling sound that is caused by discharging static electricity or feel a tingly sensation on your skin around the same time.

According to AccuWeather, you should take cover immediately the moment you feel your hair stand up with the static electricity. You are seconds away from being struck by lightning, so you may not have time to get in doors. If you are outdoors and unable to get to safety, the National Park Service website suggests that you minimize the surface area of your body that is touching the ground. This means you should never lie down flat. "Assume the lightning position by crouching down. Take a position that you can stay in for at least 20-30 minutes. If possible, sit or crouch on top of a backpack to reduce your direct contact with the ground. Put your hands behind your head and bend forward," the National Park Service advises.

If someone near you is struck by lightning, it is possible to save their life by acting fast. "Lightning can be deadly, but a person apparently killed by lightning can often be revived by prompt mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, heart massage, or artificial respiration. If several people are struck by lightning, first treat those who appear to be dead. Those who show signs of life will probably recover on their own," the National Weather Service website advises.

The best way to survive a lightning strike is to avoid putting yourself at risk in the first place. Lightning will be present during all thunderstorms, because lightning causes thunder. "When thunder roars, go indoors" is a common saying worth remembering. Make sure that you understand how to stay safe while hiking in inclement weather. If a storm hits during your camping trip, stay far away from your tent. Check the weather forecast before embarking on outdoor adventures, and make sure you have a plan to seek shelter and safety in the event of a surprise thunderstorm.