SOUTH Africa is one of the highest lightning ground strike countries, with many incidents occurring in northern KZN.

According to Netcare 911 spokesperson Shawn Herbst, primary risk factors remain not reacting to the threat of a lightning strike on time.

ALSO READ: Six-year-old dies after being struck by lightning

Here are some tips to protecting yourself from a lightning strike injury.

1. Avoid being outside in an open space during thunderstorms

2. By hearing thunder, you are in range of a lightning strike. Seek shelter immediately!

3. Avoid contact with conductive material, such as computers and landline telephones

4. Do not carry tall metal objects during thunderstorms, like golf clubs or fishing rods

5. Avoid being in or near water

6. Avoid elevated areas and tall objects

7. A car can be a good shelter. Close all the windows and do not touch any metal part of the vehicle

8. A golf car is not a safe or suitable shelter

9. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike or thunder before going outside in an open spaced area again

If there is no shelter

1. Crouch down

2. Put your hands on your knees or over your ears to protect them from the noise of the thunder

3. If you have other people with you, ensure you are at least 4 to 5m apart

If someone is struck by lightning

1. A person struck by lightning is safe to touch

2. Immediately start CPR if the person is not breathing and does not have a pulse

HAVE YOUR SAY Like our Facebook page and follow us on Twitter.

For news straight to your phone invite us:

WhatsApp – 060 784 2695

Instagram – zululand_observer