Do tents attract lightning; wondering to unriddle this myth if it really happens for real!
Well, we are as curious as you are to unfold the reality behind it.
Though that is not us who got this thought stuck into our minds, but anyone from the camping clan would ever have the same thought popped up in their minds for once.
After all, camping is generally done in the open space, under the open but unpredictable sky.
So, are you super excited to know everything behind this unresolved question? Stay with us!
Do Tents Attract Lightning
Not the tent itself, but its component may attract the lightning.
That might be the poles? The pegs? Stuff you have stored inside the tent? — It could be anything that may attract and make you vulnerable inside the tent.
For your own safety, we advise you not to stay inside a tent when the thunderstorm struck.
You may last through the thunderstorm (in fear), but the torrential rain afterward can get you to face the flooding and muddy situation making it entirely challenging to get out, and reach the safest and dry spot.
Sensing for the change in weather, do not wait for it and take shelter in the safe zone.
Your surroundings may attract the lightning
Avoid setting up the tent close to the tall trees, and the objects which may attract lightning.
Got aluminum, or metallic poles?
Check it once and for all. Have you had the tent bought with the aluminum, or metallic poles by any chance?
Oh, GOD! Have you done that?…
Sorry to state, but do not take these poles with you when you are certain of the season is known for developing thunderstorms and torrential rains in a wake of time.
The metallic, or aluminum poles are easily resistant to a lightning strike.
Avoid the metal and aluminum objects as much as you can to stay safe during the thunderstorm as they are prone to conduct the electrons as the source to search for the solid ground to pass through and can cause severe injuries to anyone residing inside the tent.
How to protect your tent from attracting the lightning
These are precautionary steps to take in order to minimize the chances of hitting with lightning.
1- Do not stay in the open-fields
Planning to move to a location that bears no grass and is completely open; do not camp there.
Since you are the only one there and having the type of pole that may attract the lighting, you are an easy target.
Go somewhere safe (not close to the tall trees) that is less exposed to the sky.
2- Look for the flat location
The advisable move is to look for the flat location and peg your camp over to avoid the certain consequences of being hit with the lighting.
3- Do not insulate your tent poles
Pretty simple to follow, the poles are first made of aluminum or metal, and then insulated on top of that may result in halting the lightning strike and eventually burn down the whole tent and leave you severely injured.
Instead of insulating the poles, you better place the lighting caps over them to obtain some level of safety, and of course, peace of mind.
Bring the lightning proof tents
There is nothing that can satisfy the human’s mind even after applying all the safety practices because you cannot really test the tent being able to withstand the lightning.
For the added safety, we find the lightning-proof tents the last resort for your peace of mind because they are tested and proven.
Since they are in the design phase, they are not available for the public to buy and use for now. As the time develops, we might see them banging the market soon!
Conclusion!
So now you know all about do tents attract lightning? We hope that you feel more informed and can make the best decision for your next camping trip! Remember, when thunder roars, go indoors! Thanks For Reading!