Rules of safe behavior during a thunderstorm
Despite the beauty of nature, at times its manifestations are fraught with risk and danger to humans. One of such natural phenomena that can cause irreparable harm is a thunderstorm. It often occurs in the warm season, when people like to get out of the city to relax, spending time by a pond or in the forest.
What is a thunderstorm and a lightning strike
A thunderstorm is an atmospheric phenomenon characterized by heavy precipitation, thunderclaps, squally wind and lightning strikes.
Characteristic signs of an approaching thunderstorm:
- The appearance of cumulus clouds, a characteristic feature of which is a dark color and an oblong, elongated shape.
- A sharp decrease in air temperature.
- Stuffiness and calmness.
- Distinct audibility of distant sounds.
- Approaching thunderclaps.
Lightning is one of the manifestations of a strong thunderstorm. This is an electric atmospheric discharge that can cause a fire. Its voltage is up to 100 million. Accompanied by a shock wave of sound (thunder) and a bright light flash of a bizarre shape. On average, its length is up to 2.5 km.
The internal organs, especially those containing air, will be the first to suffer when lightning hits a person. A sharp contraction of the muscles under the influence of an electric current of such power can lead to fractures of bones, including the spine. Stunning, loss of orientation, shock, paralysis and death - these can be the consequences for a person from a lightning strike.
In an open area
If you find yourself in an area where there is absolutely no place to hide from an impending thunderstorm (a plain, a field), then first decide how far away the lightning is from you. To do this, you should note the time that will pass between the flash and the thunderclap heard. If the time was-3 seconds, then the distance will be 1000 m, 2 seconds-600 m, but 1 second. it means that the natural electric source is only 300 m away from you.
Your safety during a thunderstorm will depend on the correct actions. The main and most common errors:
* An attempt to hide under a tall tree standing alone or a haystack.
* Run, walk or stand at full height.
* Search and climb to any elevation.
In order to wait out a thunderstorm in an open area, you should find some lowland (a pit, a ravine) or just squat down, but do not lie down on the ground. The distance from high lonely objects should be at least 200 m. Remember that usually a lightning strike selects the highest objects, and you, once in an open area, will be among them. Do not approach reservoirs and do not use the phone, it is better to turn it off.
In the forest
In a forest area, it is safest to find shelter under small bushes. If there are no small bushes nearby, then there should be a distance of at least 4-5 m between the trees and you. You need to sit down, taking the fetal position.
You should know that if a tree is strong and powerful, this does not mean that it is able to withstand a lightning strike and provide you with a reliable shelter. According to statistics, most often the" victims " of thunderstorms are oaks, firs and poplars, lightning is one of the causes of fires in the forest
In a strong wind
Very often, a thunderstorm is accompanied by strong gusts of wind. With such adverse events, there are also a number of recommendations:
- When there is a strong wind, you should avoid being near power lines, trees, billboards.
- If the weather worsens, do not let children go outside, do not leave them alone without supervision.
- Be careful and careful on the roads. Drivers should follow the traffic rules and the speed limit.
- It is better to park cars at a distance from tall trees, lampposts and power lines.
- In case of strong wind, it is necessary to remove things from roofs, balconies, loggias and window sills, which can cause injuries to people if they fall.
- When leaving the house, close the windows, balcony doors, turn off electrical appliances.
Press service of the Emergency department of the Almaty region
Press service of Almaty region