Learn these 4 principles to never get struck by lightning.

(Baonghean.vn) - Lightning is a natural phenomenon, often occurring before, during, or even after rain. It can strike anywhere, any object when present.The accumulation and discharge of electrical charge in the atmosphere between clouds and the ground, or between clouds carrying opposite electrical charges.It's currently the rainy season, so everyone needs to be aware of these things.principleTaking precautions can significantly reduce the chances of being struck by lightning.

Lightning can occur even before, during, and after a rainstorm. (Image: Internet)

What situations are most susceptible to lightning strikes?

1. Wander around in a spacious, open area when it starts raining.

Lightning can occur even before, during, and after a rainstorm. Open, spacious areas like fields, golf courses, or parking lots are favorite targets for lightning strikes, as you would inadvertently be the tallest "object" in the area.

When the ground receives an induced current from a thunderstorm cloud, a relatively large amount of induced charge will concentrate on towering objects, capable of attracting strong electrical waves, thus easily attracting lightning strikes.

Besides, taking shelter under a large tree is also not a good option. Because, according to the principle mentioned above, a tall tree can absorb electrical currents and harm you.

2. Holding an umbrella or standing near metal objects.

Lightning is an extremely powerful electric current, and metals are excellent conductors of electricity. This current can range in intensity from tens of thousands to over one hundred million volts. When lightning discharges, the temperature of the spark can reach thousands of degrees Celsius. It's best to stay away from objects like bicycles, motorcycles, iron fences, hoes, sickles, etc., as they conduct electricity very well.

Because umbrellas contain metal, carrying one during a thunderstorm makes you more susceptible to lightning strikes. (Image: Internet)

Furthermore, carrying an umbrella is also considered a "lightning rod" because it contains metal. Therefore, when it's raining and there's thunder, don't be foolish enough to go outside with an umbrella.

3. Go swimming in a river, stream, or swimming pool.

Like metal, water is also an excellent conductor of electricity. If you don't want to get burned to a crisp, you shouldn't go swimming during thunderstorms.

4. Standing near a window, door, or lying on the ground.

You might think you're completely safe indoors, so you can freely look out the window? But the truth is, standing near windows and doorways isn't always safe.

Furthermore, you absolutely must not lie flat on the ground, as you need to minimize contact with the ground to reduce the amount of electrical charge transferred to the ground through your body.

5. Taking a shower, watching TV, using the phone.

Using a landline phone during a thunderstorm is very dangerous. Lightning can penetrate power lines and telephone cables and travel long distances. It's best to disconnect the power and unplug electrical devices and chargers to avoid being struck by lightning through these routes.

Since water pipes can be made of plastic or copper in some places, taking a shower during a thunderstorm is not a good idea. You could easily make yourself a target for lightning.

Four principles for preventing lightning strikes.

1. Plan ahead.

Listen to the weather forecast and plan your work accordingly. When working in a particular area, identify safe places to take shelter from rain and lightning. Calculate the travel time from your work location to a safe place. Thunderstorms often arrive very quickly, within 15 minutes, and move at speeds of 40 km/h. In general, when in an unsafe location, pay attention to signs of a thunderstorm such as dark clouds, cold air, and wind.

Signs of a thunderstorm (dark clouds, cold wind...). Photo: Internet

2. Apply the see-listen rule.

When lightning strikes, we first see a flash of light followed by thunder. By calculating the time between the flash of light and the sound of thunder, you can determine the distance to where the lightning struck.

Dividing the number of seconds by 3 gives you the distance to the lightning strike. For example, if you count 3 seconds, the lightning is 3/3 = 1 km away from your location. Remember that if the time between seeing the flash and hearing the thunder is less than 30 seconds, you are already in the path of a lightning strike and must be careful.

If this time is less than 20 seconds, you must move to a safer place. Upon hearing the first clap of thunder, regardless of its nature, you should consider it a sign of danger. Lightning can strike as far as 15-20km from where it is raining.

3. Avoid lightning strikes inside the house.

When a thunderstorm is approaching, the best way to avoid lightning is to go home. The safest place to avoid lightning is a building or office equipped with a lightning protection system (the simplest being a Franklin lightning rod). Once inside, stay away from windows, doors, electrical appliances, and damp areas such as bathrooms, water tanks, and faucets. Do not use the telephone unless absolutely necessary.

It's advisable to unplug electrical appliances before a thunderstorm approaches. Telephone lines and power lines, being connected to the external grid, are particularly susceptible to lightning strikes. Stay at least 1 meter away from these lines and electrical appliances. Outdoor radios with antennas should also be unplugged during a thunderstorm.

4. Avoid lightning strikes outdoors.

If you don't have time to run to a safe place to take shelter, absolutely do not use trees as shelter from the rain, avoid higher areas, and stay away from metal objects such as bicycles, machinery, iron fences, etc.

Find a dry spot; if there are taller trees around, find a lower spot, a location with shorter trees.

The lower you are, the better, with your hands covering your neck. Minimize contact between your body and the ground. Stand on your tiptoes; do not lie down on the ground.

Stay away from tall objects and immediately leave areas containing water such as beaches, ponds, lakes, and ditches. Mountain peaks or high slopes are also very dangerous. If in a forest, find areas with shorter and sparser trees to avoid.

Do not stand in close groups. If you feel your hair standing on end (like the static electricity you get when you touch your hand in front of a TV screen), it means you could be struck by lightning at any moment. Immediately crouch down.

Sitting posture to avoid being struck by lightning. Photo: Internet

For objects with metal surfaces such as buses, trains, cars, etc., as long as you don't stick your head out and don't touch the metal casing, these places are safe. Conversely, open cars or boats without metal casings are dangerous.

After hearing the sound of thunder for 30 minutes, you can return to normal work.

How to provide first aid to someone struck by lightning.

Besides causing burns and scalds, lightning can damage the nervous system, cause broken bones, and lead to hearing, vision, or memory loss. People struck by lightning need immediate assistance.

First responders need to be courageous and act quickly and efficiently to ensure the safety of not only the victim but also themselves.

If a lightning strike victim is unconscious and shows signs of cardiac arrest or respiratory failure, emergency cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) must be performed. Locate and immobilize any fractures before moving the victim to prevent shock. However, extreme caution is needed; do not move the victim if a spinal fracture is suspected.

Leave the burned areas undisturbed and do not touch them. Apply folk remedies such as leaves or ointments to the burns and seek medical attention as quickly as possible. If the victim has charred clothing or shoes from the lightning strike, quickly remove the fabric from the wound to reduce heat, and remove watches, jewelry, and any hard objects pressing against the wound to prevent swelling. Note: Do not give the victim anything to drink or eat if they are vomiting, unconscious, or injured.

Hoa Le

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