How to protect yourself from a thunderstorm

1. What You Need To Know About Cyber
Security
Thunderstorm Protection
A thunderstorm can be defined as a storm with thunder and
lightning. Thunder can be very frightening since it roars very
loudly. Thunder and lightning mainly occur during the
warmer months during which there is atmosphere instability
and there are cumulonimbus cloud formations. They occur
when a warm air pocket at the ground level rises to collide
with the cooler air above it. Lightning is a fast and strong
electricity discharge from a storm to the ground usually
originating from clouds. There are a lot of myths
accompanying lightning, for example; that the tallest
buildings are always struck by lightning. Another myth is that

2. it doesn’t strike the same place twice. Neither of these is
true.
Dangers of Thunder and Lightning
When hitting the ground, a single lightning bolt normally
carries around 25,000 amps of electrical current. This is
around two thousand three hundred times more electrical
current than what is used in a washing machine. People
prone to strikes are those who spend most of their time
outdoors in unsheltered places, for example; golfers, farm
workers, or hikers. While the majority of lightning flashes
take place and stay bound within a storm cloud, about
twenty percent of lightning makes contact with the ground.
One should not only be worried about a direct hit, but a
strike next to an individual is also worrying since it can be
dangerous. Whenever lightning strikes there is a high
amount of electricity in the surrounding environment.
How to Protect Yourself from a Thunderstorm
The first strategy in protecting yourself is to be prepared.
Doing some research before heading outdoors is the best
way to avoid being trapped in a storm. Check the weather in
your area or planned destination via a weather app or a
newspaper. Before a storm, one should unplug all the
electrical appliances such as televisions because lightning
sometimes causes power surges. If you are outdoors you
should look for shelter as soon as possible to shield yourself
from the storm. When there is a thundering roar, you are

3. normally within range of a lightning strike. Even at ten miles
distance from a storm’s center, lightning can strike.
What to Do When Staying Inside during a
Thunderstorm
While indoors, stay away from windows, doors and skylights
as strong winds can break and shatter glasses. In addition,
the blinds and drapes of windows and doors should be kept
closed. Closing them prevents shattered glass from flying
around or blowing in. During a lightning strike, metal pipes
conduct lightning. Therefore, it is advisable not to shower,
do laundry, and wash your hands or dishes. Furthermore,
during thunderstorms do not use cell phones or corded
electronics such as computers or phones. Electrical wires
are good conductors of lightning.
What to Do if Outside during a Thunderstorm
If you are outdoors, look for shelter as soon as possible.
However, if there is no shelter near you, try to keep all
electrical and metal devices at least twenty centimeters
away from your body. If you are exposed to bare ground,
squat close to the ground with your head tucked between
your knees and place your hands on your knees. Do not lie
on the ground and try not to touch the ground as much as
possible. Remember to keep a safe distance away from
poles and water and locate an area of open ground that is
low lying. Avoid contact with water because water conducts
electricity and lightning strikes that hit water that is far away

4. can be dangerous to you if your body is in contact with the
same body of water. Low-lying areas are safer as lighting
mostly strikes high objects. Furthermore, while sheltering in
a tent, one should stay away from metal poles because
metal objects attract and conduct lightning. A very safe
place to be is in a car, if possible, because lightning will be
transmitted all over the metal parts of a vehicle and run to
the earth via the tires.
After the storm, broken cables or power lines should be
avoided. If a person has been struck by lightning they
normally experience severe burns. Also, the strike affects
the heart. Therefore, the pulse of the victim must be
checked. As soon as a person is struck by lightning, call an
emergency number in your country because help is needed
as soon as possible. Before approaching the victim make
sure there is no risk of you being struck by the lightning or
residual electricity.
Where to Find Safe Places during a Thunderstorm
During a thunderstorm, it is more likely that most elevated,
pointy objects standing alone in an open ground are highly
likely to get struck but this is not a certainty. Sometimes
even an open ground next to a tree can be struck.
Therefore, the safest places for shelter during a
thunderstorm include;
 A car or any enclosed metal device is the safest
place because the electric current travels through the
metal and is earthed on the ground.

5.  A ditch or a trench can be helpful since these are
usually below the ground and it is hard for the
lightning to strike these first.
 A group of shrubs that are of uniform height can be
helpful.
Planning Ahead
It is always important to plan, even when there are non-
lightning related storm threats. The key is to take action
ahead of time while adjusting your daily routines when you
hear of potentially frightening weather forecasts. To aid in
lessening the risk, these plans can be put into practice:
 Practical measures such as trimming overhanging
branches or removing clutter from downpipes and
gutters are some simple tasks that can be performed
to prevent anyone at home from harm during stormy
conditions. Storm-proofing can make a significant
difference between a disaster waiting to happen or
peace and safety.
 If there is a prediction of a severe thunderstorm, you
should park your car in a garage where it is
protected.
 Driving during a storm can be dangerous. However, if
you are caught in a storm while driving, head for a
strong roof area, such as a garage. If there is no
available shelter, pull to the side of the road and
cover your face with clothing for protection from
broken glass.

6.  The last, and essential thing to do, is to make sure
that all loose items that could blow away are secured
before a storm strikes.
Conclusion
A thunderstorm is a combination of both the lightning and
the thunder. They can be frightening and even cause death
from the lightning. People should always ahead before a
storm happens to avoid being trapped in one. However, if a
storm is suddenly upon you, you should look for safe places
such as in uniform shrubs, inside a car or in a trench. While
indoors, you should avoid using electrical appliances and
specially coded ones as these all conduct electricity. When
outdoors, look for flat, bare ground and squat. Avoid water
surfaces as they transmit electrical currents from a far
distance.
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