Sunday, May 26, 2019

Lightning Protection Tips, Measures And Resources

By Matthew Young


About 2,000 people are struck by lightning every year around the world. It is a traumatizing experience that kills and destroys property. Buildings are supposed to have lightning protection features as part of their construction. However, there are dangers that are not related to buildings. Everyone must therefore be prepared to take cover.

The building you rent or construct must be protected against lightning. There are poles and plates installed during construction to earth the electric wave that comes with thunder. A house that is not protected will expose you to grave danger. Protection of the entire house raises your level of safety. This is the basic step towards protection and should come before all other measures you are likely to take.

Monitor the weather and take warnings issued seriously. Weather forecast will indicate the kind of storm that is likely to hit your area. If there is a forecast of a storm, avoid a lot of activity that would bring you in direct contact with water and the storm. Choose activities and areas that are safe.

Rains and thunder might catch you outdoors and unaware that there was going to be heavy rain. The best solution is to take cover. Avoid water because the current can travel even on the thinnest stream. Keep away from high ground because the current will consider you the best current conductor. Stay away from open spaces where there are no buildings or conductors. At an open space, you will be the best conductor for the current and therefore suffer the burns.

Get into a vehicle like a car, van or lorry that is completely enclosed. Current will get lost when it strikes the body, providing you the best protection. Keep the windows closed and do not touch the body or any metallic surface that is connected to the body. If the storm finds you outside at a place where you cannot take cover, keep your feet together and get to a crouching position. Close your ears to protect them from the clapping thunder.

Indoors are not entirely safe when a storm strikes. Current can pass through different surfaces and still get you indoors. Take measures to protect yourself even when living inside the house. Drop the telephone and do not use your headset during a storm. These gadgets are connected using wires that can conduct current. Unplug all electronics like televisions and gadgets like computers from the wall. The wires will conduct current that damages them or gets to you.

Suspend all activities that relate to water or outdoors and remain within a safe area. You can be affected by a lightning strike that hits the ground up to 10 miles away. This means that it will travel with water and get to you. Avoid water and such other dangerous places for up to 30 minutes after the last thunder.

While active protection is important, ensure that you maintain and check all infrastructure before the rains come. Inquire about the level of preparedness before moving into a house. Sensitize all people within the premise and remind them to take active precaution when the rains begin. Know the people to call in case you experience a strike.




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