9 dangerous things you should never do during a thunderstorm
Emergency preparation experts share their best advice to stay safe.
A demonstration of the raw power of nature, thunderstorms can be a show to see. However, they are also a serious danger, causing hundreds of injuries and dozens of deaths each year. Fortunately, if you know what Never Do during a thunderstorm, you can stay safe.
Thunderstorms are the most common during the summer months, thanks to high humidity levels. Actually, 73% of deaths by lightning occur in June, July and August, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). It's because there is Three key conditions Necessary to create a thunderstorm, explains the national meteorological service: excessive humidity in air, atmospheric instability and a trigger that moves the atmosphere. Taken together, they can be the catalyst for heavy rain, thunder, lightning, strong winds and even hail.
But there are several ways You can prepare For severe thunderstorms this summer, the American Red Cross said. For example, register for your local government emergency alerts, install rescue batteries in your home and make a family plan for dangerous weather conditions can help you all in an emergency.
However, there are also a lot of dangerous things that you should completely avoid doing for a thunderstorm to maintain safety when you travel risky time. Read the rest to learn the nine things you should not do, according to experts in emergency preparation.
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1 Go near the water of all kinds.
You are probably already aware that water leads electricity and that swimming outside during a thunderstorm is a dangerous proposition. But much fewer people realize that sources of water in their homes can also have a risk for their safety.
Depending on the CDC, you should never take a shower or a bath, make your dishes or have another contact with water in your home during a storm.
"Lightning can travel through the plumbing of a building. The risk of Lightning traveling through plumbing could be less with plastic pipes than with metal pipes. However, it is preferable to avoid contact with plumbing and running water during a lightning storm to reduce your risk of being struck, "writes the health authority.
2 Use electronics.
Another source of danger during a thunderstorm. This is why you should never touch anything linked to an electrical outlet, including computers, sheet phones, televisions, play systems, washer, dryers, stoves or other devices.
In fact, an electricity wave can damage your electronics even if your device is disabled, note Zenia Platten , a representative for Total preparation Inc. , a Canadian emergency preparation company.
"To alleviate this danger, it is crucial to disconnect all non -essential electrical devices, to turn off the power bands and overvoltages, and to wait for the storm to be passed before using them again," suggested Gavin Dawson , PA-C, WEMT, a certified doctor assistant from the Board of Directors, Professional Professional Emergency Technician and founder of Global emergency doctors .
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3 Go near your fireplace.
Fireplace is another unexpected source of danger at home during a thunderstorm.
"Many chimney inserts are made of metal and can drive electricity throughout the chimney pipe and in the house," explains Platten. "If the storm is windy, you should avoid using the fireplace to prevent smoke from blowing back and filling the room with smoke and smoke." AE0FCC31AE342FD3A1346EBB1F342FCB
4 Stay outside.
As the proverb says, "when thunder roars, go inside." It is important to immediately search for a shelter in a secure building if you know that a thunderstorm is on the way.
It is particularly crucial not to stand in raised or open spaces where your body is the highest point, according to experts.
"Lightning is attracted to high points, and if you are in a field, an empty parking or another large open space, it can use you as a path to the floor," explains Platten.
Once inside, get away from windows, doors, patios and garages with concrete floors, because concrete can drive electricity.
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5 Lie on the ground.
If you are outside during a thunderstorm without access to a safe shelter, the CDC suggests squatting in a "ball -shaped position with your slipped head and hands on your ears". Keeping your body down, you are less likely to be struck by lightning, they explain.
However, experts say that this recommendation can sometimes lead to dangerous confusion.
"'The more low you are, the more secure you are a concept of common security during thunderstorms. Although it aims to encourage individuals to find shelters of bass land, it becomes dangerous when interpreted as' `Safety equal flat on the ground or floor," "explains Dawson.
"With the wet soil or the soil serving as a driver, fatal electricity currents induced by lightning can travel horizontally in a 20-foot proximity range," he explains.
6 Go near the trees.
While wide open spaces can make you a more likely target for lightning, areas covered with trees represent their own type of threat.
"The trees fall or fall from the limbs in a storm, which can cause major damage if they land on someone," warns Platten. “In fact, accommodation under the trees and being struck is the second cause of death in a lightning storm.
However, Dawson notes that when there are no other cover options, your best bet is to shelter under the shortest tree you can find because it is the least likely to be struck by the lightning.
"Avoid standing on a root, which can drive electricity, and instead on dirt or rock. Keep the shoes, if possible, and squat. Better life .
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7 Go near telephone posts or power lines.
Similar to trees, telephone posts and power lines are two high more common points that can attract lightning.
"You don't want to be close when it happens!" Said Platen. "Decreased power lines can create a dangerous area around them, so it is better to stay entirely away."
8 Forget to bring back objects in bulk inside.
Before the start of a thunderstorm, it is important to secure all loose items in your courtyard, such as patio umbrellas or recycling trash cans.
"Thunderstorms often come with strong winds and loose external objects can be blown away," explains Platten. "This can damage your articles or your goods, cause litter (in the case of recycling bins and full bunters), or even hitting pedestrians or passing cars."
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9 Leave the pets on a leash.
If a storm arrives unexpectedly while you are with your dog, it is important to keep them on a leash and head directly to the interiors.
"Pets can be frightened by strong thunderclap and can act unexpectedly," said Platten. "Even well -trained animals should be kept on a leash outside to prevent them from running to hide."
