How To Stay Safe During Severe Lightning?

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A recent research states that in the United States, 62 people are killed each year by lightning. In 2007, 45 people were struck and killed by lightning in the U.S, hundreds of others were injured. Of the victims who were killed by lightning, 98% were outside, 89% were male, 25% were standing under a tree and 25% occurred on or near the water. This year ( 2008) 8 people have already died due to lightning strikes. This research is based on the people recorded dead or hospitalized after the disaster, not to count many others dead or injured unrecorded.

People struck by lightning suffer from memory loss, numbness, attention deficits, sleep disorders, dizziness, irritability, fatigue, stiffness in joints, burns, wounds, fractures, weakness, muscle spasms, depression and an inability to sit for long. To safeguard our readers from such a calamity, here are safety guidelines that can greatly reduce the risk of injury or death from lightning strikes.

Safe Places

Although there is no place in the world that can be called 'lightening proofed' however here are some guidelines that can keep you safe.

Large enclosed buildings are much safer than the smaller or open structures.

When indoors ensure to avoid the use of telephone. Stay away from windows.

Never try to find shelter in areas like open fields, isolated trees, unprotected gazebos, rain or picnic shelters, communications towers, flagpoles, baseball dugouts, light poles, bleachers (metal or wood), metal fences, convertibles, golf carts and water (ocean, lakes, swimming pools, rivers, etc.).

Even avoid activities like taking a shower, washing your hands or dishes, or any contact with conductive surfaces with exposure to the outside such as metal door or window frames, electrical wiring, telephone wiring, cable TV wiring, plumbing, etc. A research states that during a monsoon storm - lightning can pass through metal pipes too.

Never seek shelter under tall isolated trees. It may help you stay dry but will increase your risk of being struck by lightning. Crouch down, put your feet together and cover your ears to limit possible hearing damage. Ensure to keep at least 15 feet away from other people.

Metal is an excellent conductor. Therefore stay away from metal objects, such as fences, poles and backpacks. The current from a lightning flash will easily travel for long distances

Safe Vehicle

A safe vehicle is a hard-topped car unlike soft-topped convertible, like, SUV, minivan, bus, tractor, etc. If you seek shelter in your vehicle, make sure all doors are closed and windows rolled up. Do not touch any metal surfaces.

If you're driving when a thunderstorm starts, pull off the roadway. A lightning flash hitting the vehicle could startle you and cause temporary blindness, especially at night.

Avoid using any electronic devices such as HAM radios during a thunderstorm. Lightning striking the vehicle, especially the antennas, could cause serious injury if you are talking on the radio or holding the microphone at the time of the flash.

Vehicles struck by lightning are known to have flat tires the next day, as the lightning punctures tiny holes in the tires.

Tips to help someone who is struck by lightening

Get emergency medical help as you find someone struck by a lightening. If you find more than one person struck by lightning, treat those who are unconscious first, as they are at greatest risk of dying. The victim may appear dead, with no pulse or breath. Often the person can be revived with cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).
Many think it is not safe to help a person struck by a lightening. But, the experts state that there is no danger to anyone helping these victims as no electric charge remains in the body. CPR should be attempted immediately.