12.6. Lightning Safety

During lightning and thunderstorm no open place is safe.

• Hearing thunder is an alert to rush to a safer place.
• After hearing the last thunder, wait for some time before coming out of the safe place.

This part emphasizes the importance of seeking shelter during a thunderstorm. It warns that open areas are not safe during lightning and suggests that hearing thunder is a signal to find safety. After the storm has passed, it is advisable to wait a little before coming out, as lightning can still pose a risk even after the noise has stopped.

Imagine being out in a field during a storm. As you hear the thunder rumbling, it's like a siren going off—it's time to run for cover! Just like you wouldn't want to be outside during a fire drill, you should not stay in an open area when thunder strikes.

A house or a building is a safe place. If you are travelling by car or by bus, you are safe inside with windows and doors of the vehicle shut.

In this chunk, it is explained that the safest places during a thunderstorm are buildings or vehicles with closed windows and doors. The materials used in construction, such as wood and concrete, can help protect individuals from the dangers posed by lightning.

Think of a car as a 'cocoon' during a storm. When you lock the doors and shut the windows, it's like wrapping yourself in a safe blanket that shields you from the pouring rain and potential lightning strikes outside.

Outside

• Open vehicles like motorbikes, tractors, and open cars are not safe.
• Open fields, tall trees, shelters in parks, elevated places do not protect us from lightning strokes.
• Carrying an umbrella is not at all a good idea during thunderstorms.
• If in a forest, take shelter under shorter trees.
• If no shelter is available and you are in an open field, stay far away from all trees. Stay away from poles or other metal objects. Do not lie on the ground. Instead, squat low on the ground. Place your hands on your knees with your head between the hands. This position will make you the smallest target to be struck.

This section outlines specific actions to take and avoid during a thunderstorm while outside. It emphasizes avoiding open vehicles and tall structures, as these can attract lightning. It also explains the safest posture to assume in an open field to minimize the risk of being struck by lightning.

Imagine being caught in a sudden downpour without an umbrella—you wouldn't want to be the tallest thing around! Squatting down in a low position makes you less visible, similar to how a turtle hides in its shell to protect itself from danger.

Lightning can strike telephone cords, electrical wires, and metal pipes.

• During a thunderstorm contact with these should be avoided.
• It is safer to use mobile and cordless phones. However, it is not wise to call up a person who is receiving your phone through a wired phone.
• Bathing should be avoided during thunderstorms to avoid contact with running water.
• Electrical appliances like computers, TVs, etc., should be unplugged. Electrical lights can remain on. They do not cause any harm.

This part of the section provides guidance on what to avoid and what is safe to do during a thunderstorm while indoors. It highlights the risks of using wired devices that can conduct electricity, advises against bathing, and suggests unplugging electrical devices, except for lights, which are generally safe to keep on.

Think of it like handling a live wire. It’s best to keep your distance! Just like you wouldn’t play with fire, keeping away from electrical devices during a storm keeps you safe from potential shocks.

Lightning Conductor is a device used to protect buildings from the effect of lightning. A metallic rod, taller than the building, is installed in the walls of the building during its construction. One end of the rod is kept out in the air and the other is buried deep in the ground. The rod provides an easy route for the transfer of electric charge to the ground. The metal columns used during construction, electrical wires, and water pipes in buildings also protect us to an extent. But do not touch them during a thunderstorm.

This chunk explains what a lightning conductor is and its purpose. It describes the installation of a metallic rod designed to redirect the energy of a lightning strike safely into the ground, thus protecting the building from damage. The mention of other metal structures also highlights additional safety features during thunderstorms.

Think of a lightning conductor as a safety net for a tightrope walker. Just like the net catches them if they fall, a lightning conductor catches the electrical energy from a lightning strike, preventing it from harming the building.

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