If you are caught in such an exposed place, quickly descend to a lower elevation, away from the direction of the approaching storm, and squat down, keeping your head low. A dense forest located in a depression provides the best protection. Avoid taking shelter under isolated trees or trees much taller than adjacent trees. Stay away from water, metal objects, and other substances that will conduct electricity long distances. Stay in the car if you are traveling.
Automobiles offer excellent lightning protection.
If you are in the woods, take shelter under the shorter trees. Don't take laundry off the clothesline. Keep away from fences, metal clotheslines, telephone lines, power lines, pipelines, and any electrically conductive elevated objects. Avoid hilltops, open spaces, isolated buildings, exposed sheds or other metal structures. Descend from ridges and mountains on the leeward side.