Final answer:
To stay safe during lightning in an open area, take the crouching position, crouching down on the balls of your feet with your head lowered and ears covered. Avoid standing near tall trees or metal objects that can attract lightning.
Step-by-step explanation:
If you are stuck in an open area during lightning, it is important to take a safe position. The safest position to take is known as the "crouching position". In this position, you should crouch down on the balls of your feet, with your head lowered and your ears covered. It is important to make yourself as small as possible to minimize your contact with the ground and reduce the risk of being struck by lightning. Remember to avoid being the tallest object in the area, such as standing near tall trees or metal objects, as these can attract lightning.
If you find yourself in an open area during a lightning storm and there is no shelter immediately available, the National Weather Service recommends minimizing your contact with the ground and making yourself the smallest target possible. The recommended position is to crouch down with your feet together, hands on knees, and head tucked down. Do not lie flat on the ground, as this increases your contact with the ground and vulnerability to electrical currents. Instead, balance on the balls of your feet to minimize contact. This position is known as the lightning safety crouch.