L ightning by nature's standard is a very fickle event. It can strike in the most unexpected places and do the most unexpected damage. As a consequence, trying to provide a guide that people can use is very tricky. It is with this in mind I state. The following is a guide only. It will not stop you getting struck, but will reduce the chance of a lightning strike using you as its path. Rules There are only 3 rules that electricity follows that one needs to know. Being aware of these rules helps understand lightning (as it is only electricity). 1. Electricity travels- While this is not technically correct, it is in fact the traveling of electrons that is electricity and this is what causes lightning 2. Electricity tr a vels between earth and another place- In a lightning strike that is dangerous to humans, the earth is the ground and the other is the cloud. 3. Electricity likes to travel the easiest path between the earth and the other place- This is why lightning commonly strikes the tallest object. Electricity finds it hard to travel though air (it has low conductivity). Trees, buildings, towers and other objects conduct electricity much better than air. Upon these three rules it is easy to create a plan that helps you avoid being struck. What to Do, Not to Do and Why Think about the first rule, electricity travels. If electricity travels then it is a safe assumption to think that it