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Lightning
Lightning is the underestimated killer dangerous for the common gentry. Lightning is abrupt electric expulsion either from cloud to cloud or from cloud to earth followed by the emission of light. Lightning generally strikes after heavy rain and can also occur about 10 miles off from rainfall. Most lightning victims are when people are captivated outdoors in summer during afternoon and evening.
Facts about lightening
In the United States, an estimate of about 25 million lightning flashes each year. Throughout the time of the last 30 years, lightning put to death an average of 66 people each year. The reported lightning injuries in United States average approximately 300 each year.
The threat of lightning goes on quite longer than what people think actually. You may wait not less than 30 minutes after the last strike of thunder before you leave the shelter. As you see lightning approaching, count the seconds and you will hear the thunder. Always seek shelter wasting no time.
Never get fooled by the sunshine. If the sky is cloudy or mountains or buildings hide your vision, you must keep inside immediately. Most injuries and deaths with lightning occur in summer time. The outdoor sports activities, camp counselors, coaches and other activities are often at the greatest risk. It is always safe to have best precautions. Having some common sense, you can not only increase your safety but also the safety of the people around you.
Before Lightening
- Monitor the weather before going outdoors. If lightning is forecast, stay indoors.
- Make a plan in advance to make your safety and evacuation measures. As you first notice lightning, get your emergency plan in action.
- Know all the emergency telephone numbers and also of the authorities.
- Immediately go to a building or a vehicle.
During Lightening
- Avoid the plumbing appliances and fixtures.
- Do not employ showers or faucets.
- While in car, stay till the storm passes.
- While in boat, go to shore at once.
- If in forest, go out at once. If you cannot, proceed to a low level area that has low and thick tree growth.
- If in the open area, go to lower area. Do not lie on ground.
- Do not enter the steel built concrete buildings or go near the metal objects.
- Avert beaches, hilltops, open water and small constructions in open.
- Hair standing on end indicates that lightning will strike. Immediately drop to your knees and bend forward. Do not lie flat but put your hands on the knees.
- Do not come together or cluster together with other people.
- Do not use telephone or other electrical equipment.
- Follow the 30-30 rule and stop all your activities at first clap thunder.
After Lightening
- Do not panic and follow the orders of the authorities.
- The injured persons do not have electrical charge in their body and should be taken care.
- Use all First Aid methods to help the lightning victim. Problems such as cardiac arrest, irregularities, nerve damage, burns are the common. Call 911 or send for medical help at once.