Facing a storm outside?
A thunderstorm can be a breathtaking natural spectacle, but it can also pose a serious danger. To ensure your safety, it's essential to follow some simple guidelines. Here are some key points to remember:
- If you find yourself caught in a thunderstorm with no immediate shelter, avoid being the highest point. Instead, crouch down, preferably in a depression on the ground. This reduces your chances of being struck by lightning.
- Keep a safe distance from metal objects, as they conduct electricity particularly well. This means keeping your bike away from you during a lightning storm is advisable. Similarly, Bernd Böttiger, the Federal Physician of the German Red Cross (DRK), advises against using umbrellas during a lightning storm, as lightning can travel through an umbrella and cause harm to the person holding it.
- Seeking shelter under trees is never a good idea during a lightning storm. Lightning tends to strike the simplest, often the shortest path, which can include tall trees, towers, or antennas.
- When in the open, maintain a distance of at least one meter from others to prevent any current from flowing between you during a lightning storm. Keep your feet close together, preferably only the balls of your feet touching the ground. This can help minimise the risk of injury.
- Avoid leaning against a building or tree during a lightning storm. Instead, find a low-lying area away from any tall structures.
- The desire to wait out a lightning storm in a tight embrace with a partner or friend should be avoided. Maintaining a distance of at least one meter from others is advisable.
- Be prepared for objects - from trees to rooftops - to catch fire or fall due to lightning strikes. It's crucial to stay alert and move to a safe location if possible.
- Above all, follow the advice of experts like Bernd Böttiger, who advises against throwing away umbrellas and walking sticks during a lightning storm. Instead, these items can provide some protection if you have no other means of shelter.
By following these guidelines, you can increase your chances of staying safe during a thunderstorm. Always remember, when in doubt, seek shelter and wait for the storm to pass.
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