Safety tips during a lightning storm
Various tips to keep safe indoors and outdoors during lightning storm

With the summer approaching, there are likely to be heavy rains, severe thunderstorms and lightning.
Lightning is one of several threats to life and property posed by severe weather conditions. It is reported that South Africa is one of the countries with high incidents of lightning strikes which can cause damage to properties and electrical systems, and even cause fatalities.
However, fatalities can be reduced significantly by understanding what safety precautions can be taken.
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Indoor safety guidelines:
Even though being indoors is safe during a lightning storm, there might still be risks. Here are some tips to keep safe and reduce the risks of being struck by lightning while indoors.
Avoid water
Do not bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water.
Don’t touch electronic equipment
Lightning can travel through electrical systems, radio and television reception systems, and any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring. Do not use anything connected to an electrical outlet, such as computers, laptops, and game systems.
Avoid windows, doors, porches, and concrete
Do not lie on concrete floors or lean on concrete walls lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
Don’t use corded phones
Corded phones are not safe, however, it is safe to use cordless or cellphones during a storm.
Although no place outside is safe during a thunderstorm, the risk can be minimised by assessing the lightning threat early and taking appropriate actions.
Here are some outdoor safety tips that can help avoid being struck:
Separate from others.
If you are in a group during a thunderstorm, separate from each other. This will reduce the number of injuries if lightning strikes the ground.
Also read: Safety tips when lightning strikes
Don’t stand near tall structures
Stay away from tall structures, such as telephone poles and trees; lightning tends to strike the tallest object around.
Don’t carry metal
Avoid other metal objects such as wire fences. You are more likely to be burned if you are in contact with metal when you are struck by lightning.
Stay low
Squat down with your feet together, your head tucked to your chest or between your knees, and your hands covering your ears or flat against your knees. Do not lie flat on the ground, as this gives the lightning a larger target.
Avoid bodies of water
If out at the beach, pool or lake, and you hear thunder begin to roll in, seek shelter immediately. Being outside, especially near water, is not a good option.
Find shelter immediately
If you find yourself caught in a lightning storm, the key to minimising danger is to get inside a protective structure.
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