Lightning is defined or understood as, the occurrence of a natural electrical discharge of very short duration and high voltage between a cloud and the ground or within a cloud, accompanied by a bright flash and typically also thunder. It literally means, "A tremendous flash of lightning". If the time delay between seeing the flash (lightning) and hearing a thunderclap is less than 30 seconds, you should be in, or seek a safe location. Whenever you hear or see lighting, it’s a reminder that you are at risk and need to take precautionary measures.
It is learnt that a large number of people have been killed by lightning strikes across Northern and Eastern India just in the last few days due to torrential rains in Bihar, Uttar Pradesh, Jharkhand and Madhya Pradesh. In Bihar itself, 57 people died and 37 others sustained severe injuries.
There is an urgent need to provide information to the people about the steps to be taken when indoors, outdoors and if infected by a lightning strike. Following are a list of do’s and don’ts for Lightning Safety.
1. When thunder starts to strike: Take shelter in a home, large building or substantial fully enclosed building. Stay indoors and avoid travel if possible. Prevention is better than cure.
2. Avoid areas where you will be the highest object: If you are caught in an open field with no nearby shelter drop down and crouch with hands on knees, rocking up on the balls of your feet. (The idea is to make as little less contact with the ground as possible). Never lie down flat or place your hands on the ground.
3. Certain locations are extremely hazardous during thunderstorms: No place is absolutely free from a lightning threat; however, some places are safer than others. Avoid lakes, beaches or open water, fishing from a boat or dock, riding on farm equipment, motor cycles or bicycles. If caught on high ground or in an open area, seek shelter in a low area. Take shelter in tunnels, subways, even ditches or caves if necessary—but never under a tree!
4 Stay off the telephone: Avoid contact with Software Defined Radios (SDR), toasters, hairdryers and any electrical appliance which has electrical wirings. In your home, don’t stand near open windows, doorways or metal piping. Stay away from the TV, plumbing, sinks, tubs, radiators and stove.
5. Wait at least 30 (thirty) minutes after a lightning storm has passed to resume outdoor activities.
6. Unplug unnecessary electrical appliances (to isolate them from the main power supply which may conduct a power surge during a lightning storm).
7. If at work: Look for darkening skies and increased wind. If you hear thunder then you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Keep on monitoring local media for updates and warning instructions.
8. If at home: Close windows and doors, and secure objects outside the home (eg. Furniture, bins patio etc). Ensure that children and animals (domestic pets) are inside proper shelters.
9. Avoid taking bath or showers the time of lightning. This is because lightning can travel through metal pipes.
10. Avoid staying near communication towers (TV dish or Mobile towers).
11. If on foot: Response- To go to a safe shelter immediately. Avoid contact with metal structures and constructions with metal sheeting. Ideally find shelter in a low lying area and make sure that the spot chosen is not likely to flood. Do not shelter under trees as these conduct electricity.
12. If travelling: Response - Get off bicycles, motor-cycles or farm vehicles. Get to a safer shelter. During a storm, remain in your vehicle until help arrives or the storm has passed. (The metal roof will provide protection, if you are not touching metal inside; windows should be up; park away from trees and power lines. If there is a tornado involved in a storm, evacuate the vehicle and seek shelter).
Treatment for Lightning: If at all possible, give basic first aid to the injured and rush to the nearest hospital. People struck by lightning carry no electrical charge and can be handled safely. Check for broken bones, loss of hearing and eyesight. A victim of lightning strike can suffer varying degrees of burning. Check the impact point and where the electricity left the body. Many lightning casualties occur because people ignore these precursors. Educate yourself and educate others too. Be safe.
Issued in public interest by Media Wing Nagaland State Disaster Management Authority
