Storm on the Ridge: Lightning Safety Drill

A field drill on what to do if a thunderstorm catches the group in the mountains. On ground marked with cones (ridge, slope, lone tree, valley, shelter), groups must move to the safest area, spread out and take the lightning safety position.

How to play

1. Explain: the 30-second rule between flash and thunder, dangerous places (ridges, summits, lone trees, water, metal objects) and the safety position crouched on a backpack or mat (5 min).
2. The field becomes a map: zones marked with colored cones and a sheet identifying them (ridge, slope, lone tree, valley, shelter) (2 min).
3. Groups of five walk along the "ridge"; on the sound signal, they must move down to the safe zone, spread out 5–10 m apart and take the position on their mat (8 min).
4. Each repetition adds a complication drawn from a card: a teammate is carrying metal poles, there is a lone tree nearby, or someone wants to run to the car (6 min).
5. One group acts as observers and scores the others with a checklist (2 min).
6. Wrap-up: remind students that the best protection is planning the schedule so they are not on summits in the afternoon (2 min).

Rules

• Walk quickly to the safe zone, without running or pushing.
• Hold the safety position for no more than 30 seconds in the drill to avoid straining the knees.
• Poles or metal objects are left on the ground away from the group.
• After each repetition, the whole group meets at the marked meeting point.

Variations

Adaptations

• Limited mobility: takes a seated safety position on the mat instead of crouching and moves along the accessible path.
• Knee injury: replaces the crouch with sitting on the mat with legs together and hugged.
• Hearing impairment: the storm signal is visual, with a flag or an agreed gesture.

Learning goals

• Learn the protocol for a thunderstorm in the mountains.
• Identify the highest-risk places and choose the safest one available.
• Act calmly and in a coordinated way as a group in an emergency.

Equipment for a class of 25

• cones: 20
• exercise mats: 30
• worksheets: 8

Teacher tip

Make it clear that the safety position reduces risk but does not eliminate it: no outdoor spot is completely safe. This session pairs well with reading mountain forecasts.

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