Contents
Lightning can strike anywhere on Earth. It is hotter than the surface of the Sun and so bright that it can damage your eyesight. Tissue necrosis, heart attacks, cataracts and eyes that are black with adrenaline are examples of what happens when lightning strikes a person’s body. All of this is frightening, but we can protect ourselves from being struck by lightning. What to do? The most important thing is to remember the 30/30 rule.
- The risk of being struck by lightning is low, less than one in a million according to the CDC
- However, if paralysis does occur, the consequences are severe
- The most important safety rule is the 30/30 rule: when you see lightning, start counting. If you hear thunder before you count to 30, immediately enter the building. After the last lightning strike, do not go outside for another 30 minutes
- Being indoors does not automatically protect against lightning. The CDC reminds you to avoid certain activities in such a situation, including bathing and washing dishes
- More current information can be found on the Onet homepage.
What to do when lightning strikes? The most important rule of 30/30
Stories of lightning strikes are frightening. And although it is actually a dangerous phenomenon, it is worth remembering that the probability of being hit is small. According to the estimates of the American CDC agency, it is less than one to a million. On the other hand, it also means that the risk does exist and the consequences can be dire. It is estimated that approx. 10 percent. people struck by lightning dies. Most of these deaths are due to a heart attack.
And it grows when you are outside of a closed building or vehicle. Therefore, the most important safety rule in this case is the 30/30 rule.
Compliance with it is recommended by the US Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the CDC. It reads as follows. Start counting after seeing lightning, if you hear thunder before counting to 30, immediately enter the building. After the last lightning strike, do not go outside for another 30 minutes.
The rest of the article is available under the video.
It is worth remembering that during a lightning storm, a building with four walls and a roof is a safe haven. A fully enclosed vehicle (closed doors and windows) also meets the safety criteria. Convertibles or motorcycles, unfortunately, are not safe, as are porches, gazebos and other open structures.
What not to do at home during a lightning storm? The CDC complies
When it thunders, go home quickly – this is the most important rule. However, remember that being in a room does not automatically protect against lightning. According to the CDC, about one-third of lightning damage occurs indoors. So how do you stay safe and reduce the risk? The CDC recalls:
Stay away from windows and doors.
Avoid contact with water during a thunderstorm. “You should not bathe, shower, wash dishes, hands, etc. Lightning can travel through the plumbing.” As the CDC notes, the risk of lightning from plumbing may be lower with plastic pipes than with metal pipes, but it is safer to avoid contact with water during a storm.
Avoid using electronic equipment. Lightning can travel through electrical systems and radio and television receiving systems.
Avoid using wired telephones. It is safe to use cordless or cell phones during an electrical storm.
Avoid concrete walls and floors. Do not lie on concrete floors during a storm, avoid leaning against concrete walls. The lightning bolt can pass through any metal wire or bar in a concrete wall or floor.
Don’t forget your pets during a storm! Dog kennels are not safe havens, especially if your pet is on a chain.
We encourage you to listen to the latest episode of the RESET podcast. This time, we asked Orina Krajewska what, according to her, a holistic approach to health is. How to combine the three aspects – body, spirit and mind to enjoy balance and good health? You will hear about this and many other aspects of the topic in the latest episode of our podcast.