In high mountain areas, the weather can change suddenly, and forecasts can often worsen.

The first advice from mountain rescuers to tourists is not to ignore the weather forecast.

"No matter which route you plan to take, whether it’s a ridge area or not, check the forecast and don’t venture out if strong storms are predicted. There are numerous apps that show, almost in real-time, the weather and precipitation status and evolution. You can view the National Meteorological Administration radar map directly on your mobile or install apps like Weather&Radar," the rescuers advised.

They also emphasized the importance of recognizing the first signs of a storm:

• Some storms can form locally, quickly, and are not always predicted by radar apps.

• Cumulonimbus clouds with high altitudes and well-defined edges are storm generators. If you see such clouds heading towards you, it’s time to head to a safer base area.

• Seek shelter

• As long as you are outdoors, no environment is 100% safe, but you can significantly reduce the risk of being struck by lightning or a violent storm (usually these come together).

Mountain rescuers also shared what NOT to do:

• DO NOT stay on peaks, ridges, or exposed flat areas; if caught in a storm, know that the middle area of the ridges is less dangerous than the extremities;

• DO NOT stay near water, lakes, tall poles, or markers;

• DO NOT stay under tall or solitary trees; if you’re already in the forest, choose to stay among smaller groups of trees rather than tall ones;

• DO NOT seek refuge in caves or overhangs; there’s a risk of forming a short-circuit bridge over the opening. During a storm with rain and lightning, the sense of security given by a small cave or overhang is misleading;

The mountain rescuers explain that, to be somewhat safe in a cave, you need to maintain at least 1 meter distance from the side walls, 3 meters of clearance above your head, and at least 20 meters from the entrance;

• DO NOT lie down flat on the ground; in case of impact, the electric current will pass through your entire body, causing internal organ damage;

If there’s no time to descend to a safer area and lightning is already around you:

1. Quickly orient yourself and find a small rise or platform dominated by a nearby high point and crouch at least 1 meter away from that point (which should be about 5-10 times higher than your crouching position); avoid wet stones and areas with lichens;

1. WARNING: do not lean against the higher wall with your hand, shoulder, or head;

1. If you feel your hair standing up (literally, on your head, arms, or legs), it’s a sign from nature that you’re in an electrically charged area and in imminent danger, so here’s what you should do:

1. Disperse: if you are in a group, spread out at least 15 meters apart from each other to avoid "chain strikes"

1. Adopt the crouch position: heels together, hands close to the body, and cover your ears with your palms to protect your eardrums;

1. Create an insulation: place any non-metallic material under you that can create a small insulation from the ground – a sleeping mat, sleeping bag, or tent sheet

1. Stay in position for another 30 minutes after hearing the last thunder and only then retreat to the base; it’s better to wait a few extra minutes than to expose yourself to greater risks. (thunders can strike from kilometers away)

True or False?

• Trekking poles attract lightning – False: The human body, being taller and with less electrical resistance, is more likely to be struck; of course, do not hold them in the air during the storm; (Source: Salvamont Neamț)

• Mobile phone attracts lightning – False: A mobile phone is safer than a landline; it’s important to have a phone handy in case of emergencies to call 112 or Mountain Rescue;

Opinions are divided regarding outdoor accessories and mobile phones during storms; if you don’t feel safe with them near you, you can "abandon" them further away, at least 30 meters away.

• You can’t touch a person struck by lightning – False: A lightning victim does not retain the electrical charge, so we can approach them to provide first aid; it’s important to assess conditions and ensure we can approach safely without being exposed ourselves. In case of impact, it’s mandatory to call emergency services.