-
-
-
-
-
-
-
28 Amazing Wedding Reception Lighting Ideas You Can Steal
Create the most incredible wedding reception lighting ideas with lanterns, candles, LED and string lights, hanging light bulbs, neon marquis and lighted arches. Delight your guests!
https://i.pinimg.com/564x/b1/1f/4a/b...b13127f0f2.jpg
-
-
When lightning strikes: How to stay safe during and after thunderstorms
08/11/2025 // Zoey Sky // 430 Views
Tags: Collapse, emergency preparedness, lightning, off grid, preparedness, prepper, prepping, Safety Tips, SHTF, survival, Survival Tips, survivalist, thunder, thunderstorms, tips
https://www.naturalnews.com/wp-conte...nset-Storm.jpg
- Lightning strikes during thunderstorms are rare but dangerous, with the highest risk during the summer months.
- Lightning can cause injuries such as blunt trauma, paralysis, brain bleeds, burns, vision or hearing loss and cardiac or respiratory arrest.
- Seek shelter, avoid elevated areas, stay away from water and conductive objects, and crouch down if no shelter is available during a thunderstorm.
- After a thunderstorm, wait 30 minutes after you hear thunder before going out. Watch for fallen power lines and be aware of flash flooding.
- Call 911 if someone is struck by lightning, as they can be safely handled and may need CPR or AED.
As summer unfolds, recent headlines have highlighted a troubling trend: an uptick in lightning-related fatalities. From a tragic incident on a Florida beach during a honeymoon to a deadly strike at a New Jersey golf course, these events serve as stark reminders of the dangers posed by thunderstorms.
While the odds of being struck by lightning in a given year are less than one in a million, the consequences can be devastating. Understanding how to protect yourself and what to do if you find yourself in a perilous situation can make all the difference. (h/t to EverydayHealth.com)
Understanding the risk of lightning strikes
Lightning is a powerful and unpredictable force of nature. It occurs when electrical charges build up in storm clouds, creating a discharge that can travel at speeds of up to 200,000 miles per hour.
The risk of lightning strikes is highest during the summer months when warm, moist air rises and collides with cooler air, creating the perfect conditions for thunderstorms. In the United States, Texas, Florida, Oklahoma and Kansas are the states with the highest density of lightning strikes per square mile.
Lightning strikes can cause a range of injuries, from mild to fatal. The force of the strike can result in blunt trauma, throwing a person several feet or causing severe injuries upon impact. Other potential injuries include:
- Temporary paralysis - Victims may experience temporary loss of muscle function.
- Brain bleeds and nerve damage - The electrical current can cause internal bleeding in the brain and severe nerve damage.
- Electrical burns - These can range from superficial skin burns to deep tissue damage caused by heated objects.
- Vision and hearing loss - Damage to the eyes and ears can lead to cataracts, hearing loss or balance problems.
- Cardiac and respiratory arrest - A direct strike can stop the heart and lungs instantly. Even if the heart restarts, immediate medical attention is crucial to restore breathing.
Tips for avoiding lightning strikes
When thunder roars, go indoors. This age-old advice is the best way to avoid being struck by lightning. However, if you find yourself outside during a thunderstorm, here are some crucial steps to follow:
Seek shelter immediately
As soon as you hear thunder, head for a sturdy building or a fully enclosed vehicle with the windows up. Avoid open structures like porches, gazebos and baseball dugouts, as they offer little protection.
Avoid elevated areas
If you’re on a hill, mountain ridge or any elevated area, move to lower ground immediately. Lightning is attracted to higher points. (Related: Prepping essentials: How your everyday clothes could save your life when disaster strikes.)
Stay away from water
Bodies of water, including ponds, lakes and swimming pools, are dangerous during thunderstorms. Water conducts electricity, increasing the risk of a lightning strike.
Steer clear of conductive objects
Stay away from metal fences, power lines and windmills. These objects can conduct electricity and pose a significant risk.
Avoid isolated trees
Trees, especially tall and isolated ones, are frequent targets for lightning. If you’re in a forest, seek shelter in a low-lying area away from trees.
Last resort outdoor tips
- If you’re caught in an open area with no shelter nearby, crouch down with your feet close together and your head tucked down. This position minimizes your contact with the ground and reduces the risk of being struck.
- If you’re unable to find a safe shelter, the key is to minimize your risk as much as possible. Avoid open fields, hilltops and tall objects.
- If you’re with a group, spread out to avoid multiple casualties.
Remember, lightning can strike up to 25 miles away from the center of a thunderstorm, so don’t assume you’re safe just because the storm seems far away.
Once the storm has passed, it’s important to remain cautious. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before going outside. This waiting period is crucial because lightning can still pose a threat even after the storm has seemingly moved on.
Watch for fallen power lines
If you encounter a downed power line, stay at least 35 feet away and report it to the authorities immediately.
Be aware of flash flooding
Thunderstorms can cause flash floods, so pay attention to weather alerts and avoid low-lying areas.
Check on others
If someone has been struck by lightning, call 911 immediately. Lightning victims do not carry an electrical charge and can be safely handled.
Administer first aid and, if necessary, perform CPR or use an automated external defibrillator (AED) if one is available.
Being prepared can significantly reduce your risk of being struck by lightning. Before heading outdoors, always check the weather forecast. If thunderstorms are predicted, consider postponing your activities or ensuring there is a safe shelter nearby. Having a lightning safety plan in place can save lives.
While lightning strikes are rare, they are a serious threat that should not be underestimated. By understanding the risks and taking appropriate precautions, you can protect yourself and those around you during thunderstorms.
Visit Survival.news for more useful survival tips. You can also check out Health Ranger Store and Brighteon Store for more clean food supplies for your prepping needs.
Watch this clip about UHMWPE Braided Survival Cord and Bug Spray, two essential prepping tools for your survival kit.
This video is from the Health Ranger Store channel on Brighteon.com.
More related stories:
Emergency flashlight: Compact light to help you navigate life’s unexpected moments.
Tsunami preparedness: Tips on how to survive monster waves.
The surprising benefits of worrying the right way (and how to do it).
Sources include:
EverydayHealth.com
Weather.gov
Ready.gov
Brighteon.com
When lightning strikes: How to stay safe during and after thunderstorms – NaturalNews.com
-
How to Throw a Knife Without It Spinning
https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/w...s/icon-pdf.svgDownload Article Co-authored by wikiHow Staff Last Updated: April 20, 2025 Approved
Knife throwing is a timeless skill handed down through the generations that requires extraordinary focus, dexterity and precision. Most knife throwing techniques are recognizable by the mathematical calculation of the thrower and the signature whirl of the blade as it spins through the air. However, it’s also possible to hit a target accurately from almost any range without prior planning or a meticulous setup. This is accomplished through no-spin techniques, where the blade travels from the thrower’s hand to the target with little or no rotation. Throwing a knife with no spin only requires minor adjustments from standard knife throwing techniques, and can often be learned in just a few days.
Method1
Using the Mumyou-Ryu Technique
https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/w...s/icon-pdf.svg
Download Article
- 1
Take the proper grip. Sticking a knife with no rotation is made possible by modifying the standard throwing grip. Wrap your hand loosely around the handle of the knife. Pinch the handle between your thumb and the length of your middle finger. Place your index finger flat against the spine of the blade at the knife’s center of balance. This is known as the “thumb grip,” or sometimes the “drive-finger grip,” as you’ll be using your thumb to guide the movement of the knife and your index finger to drive it forward as you release.
- The thumb grip is used to neutralize the rotation of the blade after it leaves the hand.
- Every knife will have a slightly different center of balance. Locate the knife’s center of balance by laying it across one outstretched finger and adjusting it until it balances on its own. This is the section of the knife on which you should place the point of your finger.[1]
- 2
Line the knife up with the target. Hold your arm straight out in front of you with the tip of the blade trained on your target. Eyeball the exact spot you’re aiming for. Pay close attention to the angle and position of your arm. This is where your arm will need to be at the moment you release the knife.[2]
- Pointing the knife in the direction of the target before you throw can help muscle memory take over, giving you a sense of exactly where your arm should be when you release.
- For better accuracy, make a quick initial lineup part of your throwing ritual.
- 3
Raise the knife up beside your head. Keeping your shoulder fixed and your upper arm parallel with the ground, draw the knife back until it’s level with your head. Your elbow should be bent about 90 degrees, with the blade of the knife pointing straight up. Square your stance and take a small step forward with your opposite foot.[3]
- To get an idea of what position your shoulder and forearm need to be in, hold up your throwing arm as though you were making the “goal” gesture used by fans of American football.
- The Mumyou-Ryu technique was derived from a technique used by ancient Japanese warriors to throw circular projectiles (shuriken, or “throwing stars”) without rotation. It was adapted for use with straight, modern knives and spikes.
- 4
Release the knife in a smooth slinging motion. Lean over your front foot as you prepare to throw. Let go of the knife while your throwing arm is at roughly a 45 degree angle—this will help compensate for gravity and create the relaxed arc that the knife will trace in the air. At the moment of release, lightly “brush” the length of the spine with your pointer finger. Straighten your arm so that you complete the throw pointing at your target. With any luck, you’ll hear the thump of a successful stick.[4]
- Bring your forearm and knife hand down in a circular path, in one quick movement.
- Your forearm should stay straight up and down throughout the windup and release.
Method2
Using the Russian Technique
https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/w...s/icon-pdf.svg
Download Article
- 1
Hold the knife with the thumb grip. Assume the thumb grip. This will be the most efficient way of minimizing the knife’s rotation in flight. Press the handle of the knife snugly between your thumb and middle finger, but don’t squeeze too tight. During the throw, your wrist and forearm should move as one.
- With the thumb grip, the blade must be flung with the arm and shoulder using a pushing motion, rather than the snap of the wrist which usually causes the knife to spin.
- 2
Raise the knife up and out to the side of your body. Extend your throwing arm with the knife held upright just above and behind your head. The blade should be almost vertical, hovering out at a shallow angle. When using the Russian technique, the knife should point slightly out to your dominant side before it is thrown. Bend your elbow a little so that the blade of the knife is nearly parallel to the ground. Stay loose and ready to time your throw.[5]
- Holding the knife out further from your body creates additional torque, allowing you to throw the knife with more force.
- The Russian technique requires a little more room to move, so be aware of your surroundings before you start waving the knife around.
- 3
Rotate your hips and shoulders. Initiate the throwing motion by winding up with your upper body. Turn your hips and shoulders a few inches away from the target in the same direction of your knife hand (right-handed knife throwers will turn clockwise, left-handed throwers should turn counterclockwise). The Russian no-spin throwing technique relies on lateral motion to generate force, which means you’ll be focusing on the movement of your midsection rather than just your arm.
- Don’t let your knees or feet turn as you twist your upper body. This will throw off your base, as you’ll no longer be facing the target.
- 4
Use a whip-like motion to throw the knife. Once you’ve drawn back all the way, reverse the motion suddenly. Rotate your hips and shoulders in the opposite direction. At the same time, sling your arm out at an angle, releasing the knife just before your throwing hand lines up with the target. Follow through with the throw the way you would if you were cracking a whip, keeping your arm extended until the blade makes contact.[6]
- The trickiest part of the Russian technique is timing your release correctly. It’s more difficult to gauge where the knife will end up as you’re throwing from the side and not centering the blade’s path with your line of sight like with vertical throws.
- Despite the somewhat complicated mechanics, the Russian method of no-spin throwing is thought to be more consistently accurate than other techniques.[7]
Method3
Using the Thorn Technique
https://www.wikihow.com/extensions/w...s/icon-pdf.svg
Download Article
- 1
Take hold of the knife. Grab the knife high up on the handle. For the Thorn technique, you can use either a thumb grip or a modified hammer grip for increased stability. Since you’ll be using your entire arm to throw, so you should make sure that you have a secure grasp in order to control the path of the blade.[8]
- The Thorn method of no-spin throwing was invented by and named after knife throwing instructor Ralph Thorn.[9]
- To modify a hammer grip for no-spin throwing, wrap your whole fist around the handle of the knife, the way you would a hammer. Then, uncurl your pointer finger and rest it along the spine of the blade.
- Whether you choose a thumb grip or a modified hammer grip, your grasp should be firm but not too strong. The tighter you hold on, the more difficult and unreliable your release will be.
- 2
Keep your shoulder relaxed. The key to the Thorn technique is the windmill-like motion of the arm. This can put a lot of strain on the tendons and ligaments of the rotator cuff if you’re maintaining a lot of tension. Shake out your arm and loosen up a bit before you start throwing. If you’re not careful, you may be setting yourself up for injury.
- Warm up before your knife throwing sessions with some basic mobility exercises and a little light stretching.
- If the Thorn method causes pain in any part of your shoulder or arm, stop and switch to a less strenuous technique.
- 3
Pull your arm back beside your head. Bend your throwing arm slightly and lock it into place. Your upper arm and elbow should only form about a 35 or 40 degree angle. Raise your arm until it’s above and slightly behind your head. With the Thorn technique, you’ll use your entire arm to throw, not just the momentum of the forearm.
- Stand up straight and fully extend your back as you start the windup.
- 4
Throw the knife using your entire arm. To perform the throw, drop your arm fast in a circular arc, not letting the elbow bend. Release the knife right before your hand falls level with the target. Thrust your index finger forward during the release and follow through to prevent the knife from spinning. When executed correctly, the knife should sail in a smooth, direct line toward the target.[10]
- It may be helpful to practice the Thorn technique in two separate phases: the wide, looping motion of the arm and the timing of the release.
- Most no-spin techniques, like the Thorn method, are a combination of a traditional knife throwing motion and the heaving action used to throw spears.
Community Q&A
- Question
What about throwing a kukri?
https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb...ityAvatar2.png
Community Answer
For larger blades like the kukri, a technique that uses the whole arm and a lot of leverage from the body will work best. Give the Thorn method a shot, or try modifying the Russian technique to account for the increase weight of a long blade.
Question
Can I do it while holding the blade?
https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb...ityAvatar3.png
Community Answer
If you were holding the blade using a no spin technique, you would just be throwing the handle directly at your target. if you're holding the blade then you should be throwing at a half-spin or greater.
Question
What about a knife with a cross guard that prevents you from putting a finger on the spine of the blade?
https://www.wikihow.com/images/thumb...ityAvatar1.png
Community Answer
Try to put your finger on the handle instead.
See more answers
Ask a Question
Submit
Video
Tips
- Practice no-spin throwing every day to develop muscle memory. You’ll be placing shots like a pro in no time.
- Carry multiple knives so that you don’t have to constantly go back and forth retrieving your knives from the target. Look for knives that are specially designed and balanced for throwing.
- Keep your knives sharp and well-maintained to ensure that they’ll penetrate the target. Sometimes, the difference between a stick and a miss isn’t your accuracy but the condition of the blade.
Show More Tips
Submit a TipAll tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published
Submit
Warnings
- Check to see whether throwing knives are legal where you live before practicing with them.
- Always carry throwing knives with the blade pointed toward the ground. Don’t grip or point the blade at yourself. Hand knives to others handle-first.
- Practice at a safe distance from your home, vehicle, pets or destructible objects.
- Let the people around you know about the activity you’re involved in so they don’t come too close.
- Never aim a throw at another person.
You Might Also Like
References
More References (1)
3 Ways to Throw a Knife Without It Spinning - wikiHow
