Staying Safe During a Thunderstorm: Essential Tips for Outdoor and Indoor Protection
Thunderstorm Safety: Essential Steps to Follow in Case of a Thunderstorm - Preparing for a Thunderstorm: Essential Steps to Follow
Summertime often brings those pesky thunderstorms. Lately, they've been frequent in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, and the German Weather Service (DWD) predicts more to come soon. Unfortunately, these storms can be deadly. Just last week, three hikers in Tyrol, Austria lost their lives to a lightning strike. So, how can we stay safe during thunderstorms?
Meteurologist Sebastian Schappert from DWD suggests making yourself as small as possible and avoiding tall objects to minimize the chance of being the highest point in the area. If you're on an open field, it's better to find a depression or opt for younger, smaller trees in the woods. However, keep in mind not to put yourself in harm's way while seeking shelter, like standing in a position prone to flooding.
When outdoors, it’s best to escape the storm entirely and find shelter in a building when you hear the first thunder clap. This allows you to determine where the storm is heading. If it's impossible to find shelter, maintain a distance from tall objects such as trees or poles. It's also wise to avoid open fields and isolated trees, which increase the risk of lightning strikes. Additionally, try to spread out if you're in a group to reduce the risk of current traveling between people if lightning strikes nearby.
Avoid contact with water, moist objects, and metal items when out in the open as they conduct electricity well. Unfortunately, if you are on water during a thunderstorm, it's best to stay indoors or avoid being on the water altogether. If you are in a small boat without a cabin, try to anchor down, stay as low as possible, and limit electronic use unless there's an emergency.
In your home, seek shelter in the lowest level of the building, preferably a basement or storm shelter. If neither option is available, opt for an interior room without windows, such as a closet or bathroom. Avoid using corded phones, electrical appliances, or plumbing during the storm as lightning can travel through electrical and plumbing systems. Keep wireless phones on hand and protect your pets by bringing them inside during storms.
Listen to weather forecasts and warnings from authorities before venturing outdoors. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder or lightning flash before resuming outdoor activities. Prepare in advance by closing outdoor outlets, unplugging devices, and installing surge protectors. Consider using a NOAA Weather Radio or a trusted weather app to stay alerted during thunderstorms.
By following these guidelines, you can significantly reduce the risk of injury from lightning and other thunderstorm hazards.
- Thunderstorm
- Storm
- Tyrol
- Summer thunderstorm
- Mainz
- Rhineland-Palatinate
- Saarland
- DWD
The German Weather Service (DWD) predicts that more summer thunderstorms are on the horizon, particularly in Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland, similar to the incidents recently experienced in Tyrol. To lessen the risk of injuries from lightning, it is advisable to listen to weather forecasts and heed warnings from authorities before heading outdoors, and if a storm happens, seek shelter in the lowest level of a building, such as a basement or an interior room without windows.
