Lightning is one of nature’s most powerful phenomena, and its strength can be detrimental to humans and animals alike. With that being said, you can do things to protect yourself from lightning strikes if you find yourself in an area that seems to be at high risk for lightning and other natural disasters.
Lightning can be scary, but it’s not as dangerous or deadly as you might think. Most of the time, lightning strikes are harmless and avoidable. But there are times when a bad storm could strike, and life could become very dangerous. A strike from lightning can cause massive damage, especially when it hits a building or a person. Being prepared will help your chances of surviving an outdoor lightning storm. So, what should you do to prepare for a dangerous storm? There are ways you can protect yourself by taking some simple precautions before you step outdoors.
10 Tips to protect yourself from Lightning Strikes | against Thunderstorms
Let’s study at ten ways you can protect yourself from lightning strikes.
- Stay inside during a storm if possible; do not walk around outside in areas with lightning activity nearby. Keep doors and windows closed at all times- even if they seem securely fastened- and make sure that no one goes out into open areas during storms.
- The main thing is to comply with all local laws and regulations governing outdoor activities such as hiking, surfing, trekking, etc.
- Stay away from tall objects such as trees, poles, and buildings within 50 yards of where you’re standing. It is common for lightning to strike the tallest thing in the vicinity.
- Make sure you do not come into contact with electrically conducting objects (such as power lines, fencing, etc.). Stay away from open vehicles such as golf carts, motorcycles, open cars, etc.
- Keep an eye on the sky for thunderstorms. Thunderstorms are signs of possible lightning strikes, so you must pay attention when you hear them. If you see clouds forming that look like they might be moving, head for an enclosed area away from trees, beneath a roof, or within a vehicle.
- Keep an eye on the weather forecast and stay informed about changes in weather conditions.
- Be sure to avoid hilly, mountainous, or ridged terrain under thunderstorms.
- Lying flat on the ground is never a good idea. Make yourself as low as possible by crouching down with your head tucked and your hands over your ears.
- You should immediately exit ponds, lakes, and other water bodies and keep away from them under thunderstorms.
- When a thunderstorm occurs, keep separate from other members of your group. If lightning strikes the ground, the number of injuries will be reduced.
Final Words
Lightning is a very dangerous and unpredictable phenomenon. If you are caught in one, even if you survive the lightning strike, its effects can be severe. It is better to prepare for the worst by following the above tips. Proper preparation is always the best way to prevent harm from lightning strikes.
He is a research scholar at Aligarh Muslim University, India. His research interests include power electronics, electric vehicles, and bio signal analysis. He loves writing, traveling, and gardening in his free time.