Darkening skies, thunder, hair standing
up on the back of your neck or tingling
skin mean lightning is imminent.
Before
- Cut down or trim trees that may be in
danger of falling on your home.
- An important lightning safety guide is
the 30-30 rule. After you see lightning,
start counting to 30. If you hear thunder
before you reach 30, go indoors. Suspend
activities for at least 30 minutes after the
last clap of thunder
- Always keep the earthing working to avoid
damage to electrical equipment.
- Consider buying surge protectors,
lightning rods, or a lightning protection
system to protect your home, appliances,
and electronic devices.
During
(A) If Indoors
- Unplug all electrical equipment before the
storm arrives. Don’t use corded telephones,
electrical devices, chargers, etc.
- Stay away from windows and doors; stay
off verandas.
- Don’t touch plumbing and metal pipes. Do
not use running water.
(B) If Outdoors
- Get inside a house/building. Stay away
from structures with tin roofs/metal
sheets.
- If caught under the open sky, crouch. Don’t
lie down or place your hands on the ground.
- Don’t take shelter near/under trees. Spread
out; don’t stand in a crowd. Stay clear of water bodies.
- If you are outside, seek refuge in a car
or grounded building when lightning or
thunder begins
- Stay put if you are inside a car/bus/covered
vehicle
- Don’t use metallic objects; stay away from
power/telephone lines
- Get out of water - pools, lakes, small boats
on water bodies.
- Avoid hilltops, open fields and beaches.
After
- Watch out for fallen power lines and trees.
Report them immediately.
Treating the affected
- Administer CPR (Cardio Pulmonary
Resuscitation), if needed.
- Seek medical attention immediately
