The Lightning Tree cont.

The Oak was cordoned off pending an inspection by a tree surgeon. Root damage is quite common, even when the upper part of the tree appears to be healthy. Underground damage can cause serious problems so a detailed examination was necessary. Fortunately the tree survived. 

Safety tips

If you find yourself in an open field during a thunderstorm and notice your hair standing on end, it indicates that a lightning strike may be imminent. In this situation, you should quickly drop into a squat position with your feet together, hands on your knees, and your head tucked between them. It is important to avoid touching the ground with your hands. Squatting is preferable to lying flat to reduce contact with the ground. Stay away from water, tall trees, telegraph poles, light posts, open shelters and metal objects. A hard-topped metal vehicle with windows rolled up, or inside a fully enclosed building are generally safer places to be in a thunderstorm.