There is always time to refresh our memories on the precautions we need to take in a lightning storm, which can sometimes have tragic consequences……
The list of precautions is long, because there are a number of means of being electrocuted by lightning: being directly hit, by contact with an electricity conducter that has itself been struck by lightning, by a flash reflected off of something nearby that has been struck or even just walking near the impact.
During a storm that is threatening to become violent, the risk of lightning is very real and can take you by surprise. The first step before leaving the house is to check the weather and the level of risk announced by the weather forecast.
If you can’t take shelter, and even in a car with “Faraday” protection on the tyres, try to observe the following precautionary measures:
- If you are outside and you have nowhere to take shelter, squat down and put your head between your legs
- Get out of water, swimming pools and jacuzzis and stay away from any large bodies of water.
- Take shelter in an enclosed building, with the windows closed.
- Don’t run and don’t stay too close to large groups of people.
- Near the sea or in the mountains, rid yourself of any metal objects as quickly as possible.
- Take off any metal jewellery.
- Don’t use the telephone, even a mobile.
- Don’t continue to cycle, horse ride or any other outdoor activities.
- In a general sense, avoid things pointing directly up towards the sky (trees, power lines, etc.)
A phenomenon often as fascinating as it is frightening, lighting is still a source of danger. Estimates vary, but in the UK, on average 49 people are hit by lightning every year, and approximately 2 are killed each year.
We can often have afternoon thunderstorms following sunny mornings throughout the summer season, when people are generally making the most of the outdoors. Therefore, the risk of accidents is highest.