Awareness is the key to surviving lightning strikes. Here are some important precautions and actions to take during a lightning storm:
- If a sudden thunderstorm begins, avoid staying outdoors. If you must be outside for urgent reasons, seek safe shelter immediately.
- If you notice deep and vertically shaped clouds, it may indicate an impending thunderstorm. In such cases, if you must go outside, wear rubber-soled shoes.
- If you are in an open field, stand on the balls of your feet and squat down with your head lowered and fingers placed in your ears. This technique of self-protection during lightning storms has been practiced for a long time.
- If your building does not have a lightning protection system, stay isolated in separate rooms during a thunderstorm.
- In case someone is unexpectedly struck by lightning, seek immediate medical assistance. Lightning strikes do not always result in instant death. Therefore, quickly transport the affected person to the nearest medical facility. Attempt to restore the victim’s breathing and heartbeat through first-aid measures.
Additional Safety Tips During Lightning
- If lightning is frequent, avoid staying in open or elevated places. It is best to take shelter under a concrete structure or sturdy building.
- Electrical poles, isolated bus shelters, and tall trees like palm trees are more prone to lightning strikes. Avoid taking shelter near these.
- If you are at home during a lightning storm, stay away from windows. Keep windows closed and remain indoors.
- During lightning and storms, do not touch metal objects like water taps, stair railings, or pipes. Even landline telephones can pose a risk. Many injuries have occurred from touching such objects during lightning.
- Avoid touching any electrical appliances during lightning, even if they are turned off. Unplug devices like televisions and refrigerators ahead of time when a storm is approaching.
- If you are inside a car during a lightning storm, if possible, move the car under a concrete shelter. Avoid touching any metal parts inside the car, including the windows.
- If you are in a paddy field or open field during a lightning storm, quickly crouch down. If you are on a rooftop or elevated area, move to a safer, lower place immediately.
- If you are swimming in a pond or standing in a flooded area during a lightning storm, move away from the water quickly. Water is a highly conductive medium for electricity.
- Wearing wet leather shoes or going barefoot during a lightning storm is extremely dangerous. Rubber-soled shoes are the safest choice as they are non-conductive.
- Ensure that your house is protected against lightning. Install a grounding rod with proper earthing. Consult a qualified engineer for installation, as improperly installed rods can increase the risk of lightning damage.
- Look out for people around you during a lightning storm. If someone is injured, treat them as you would a victim of electric shock and take them to a hospital immediately. Continue efforts to restore their breathing and heartbeat. Consider receiving basic first-aid training to prepare for such emergencies.
