Health & Life

The Ultimate Guide to Lightning Safety: Protect Yourself from Nature’s Fury

The arrival of the stormy season brings with it a deluge of refreshing showers, a welcome respite from the heat. However, it also brings the hidden danger of lightning strikes. Fear not! This article will reveal the ultimate guide to staying safe during this stormy season, ensuring you emerge unscathed from the tempestuous weather.

Administrator

28 July, 2024

Lightning strikes, according to community health expert Adewale Adebanjo in Nigeria, occur when lightning moves between the atmosphere and the earth. This can happen in two ways: directly or indirectly. Lightning phenomena can occur outdoors or indoors if proper safety measures are not implemented.

Lightning is extremely hot, causing the surrounding air to heat up to temperatures five times higher than the surface of the sun. This high temperature causes the air to expand and vibrate, creating the thunder that we often hear a short time after seeing lightning.

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, although the risk of death from a lightning strike is quite low, many people struck by lightning often survive with long-lasting symptoms and debilitation.

“Being struck by lightning can have long-term effects on the retina and lead to cataracts. People with hypertension are at risk of cardiac arrest and death if struck by lightning. Lightning can also cause hearing loss,” shared Mr. Adebanjo.

Lightning is incredibly hot, heating the surrounding air to temperatures five times higher than the sun’s surface

Here are some safety measures to protect against lightning strikes, according to the Punch newspaper:

Stay away from areas with water

During rain, people should stay away from swimming pools, rivers, lakes, and other water bodies. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, so being near these areas can significantly increase the risk of injury or death from a lightning strike.

Geologist Micheal Okere warns that standing in puddles is dangerous as rainwater contains many ions and impurities, unlike distilled water, making it an efficient conductor.

Stay away from electrical appliances during storms

Using electrical appliances during storms is risky and can be dangerous. Mr. Adebanjo advises people to stop using electrical appliances and unplug them from power sources during storms.

Install lightning rods on rooftops

Lightning rods, usually made of metal and attached to the tops of buildings, function by redirecting lightning to the ground. While lightning rods cannot prevent lightning strikes, they help prevent lightning from entering a building and safely dissipate the energy into the ground.

Avoid standing under tall trees during rain

Lightning often strikes tall objects, so seeking shelter under tall trees or groups of tall trees during rain can be hazardous.

Lightning often strikes tall objects, so seeking shelter under them is dangerous

Find safe shelter during rain

According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, people who work outdoors or engage in outdoor recreational activities are at risk of being struck by lightning. To minimize this risk, experts advise finding safe shelter during rain.

Additionally, when driving in rainy conditions, it is recommended to keep car windows closed for safety.

Frequently asked questions

Lightning is a natural electrical discharge that occurs during thunderstorms. It is caused by the buildup of positive and negative charges in the atmosphere, which creates a massive voltage difference between the cloud and the ground or between different areas within the cloud. This voltage difference leads to a rapid discharge of electricity, resulting in a lightning flash.

There are three main types of lightning: cloud-to-ground lightning, intra-cloud lightning, and cloud-to-air lightning. Cloud-to-ground lightning is the most common and dangerous type, as it strikes from the cloud directly to the ground. Intra-cloud lightning occurs within the cloud itself, and cloud-to-air lightning happens when the lightning discharges from the cloud into the air without reaching the ground.

To protect yourself from lightning strikes, it is important to follow basic safety precautions. During a thunderstorm, seek shelter in a sturdy building or car. Stay away from windows and doors, and avoid contact with conductive materials such as metal objects and electrical appliances. If you are outdoors and unable to find shelter, avoid open areas and seek a low-lying area. Do not stand near tall objects or under isolated trees. If you are in a group, spread out to minimize the risk of multiple injuries.

If someone is struck by lightning, they will need immediate medical attention. Call for emergency services right away. If the person is unconscious, check their breathing and pulse, and perform CPR if necessary. Remove any burned clothing and cover any burns with a clean, dry cloth. Keep the person still and minimize movement, especially if there is a suspicion of spinal injury. Stay with the person until help arrives.

To reduce the risk of lightning damage to your property, consider installing a lightning protection system. This system includes lightning rods, which are metal conductors that provide a path of least resistance for the lightning to follow, diverting it safely into the ground. Ensure that your home’s electrical system is properly grounded, and avoid using electrical appliances or corded phones during a thunderstorm.