Protect Yourself from a Thunderstorm: 5 Tips to Stay Safe
Thunderstorms are some of the most terrifying weather phenomena on Earth, but they can also be downright dangerous. That’s why it’s important to know how to protect yourself from a thunderstorm, whether you’re at home or out in the world enjoying nature. Here are five tips to keep you safe when thunderstorms roll through your area.
#1 Seek Shelter
When thunderstorms roll in, the first thing you should do is seek shelter. This means getting inside a building or car. If you’re caught outside, look for a low-lying area like a ditch that will offer some protection. Avoiding contact with conductive materials like metal fences, power lines, and bodies of water is also important.
Monitor weather forecasts and stay aware of the sky and weather conditions that can lead to thunderstorms. Pay attention to darkening skies, flashes of light, and increasing wind speeds. When you hear thunder, lightning may be near and able to hurt you.
#2 Keep away from high places
When thunderstorms roll in, it's best to avoid high places like mountains, hills, or tall buildings. The higher you are, the closer you are to the storm's center and the more likely you are to be struck by lightning. If you can't avoid being in a high place, try to get inside as quickly as possible.
While it might seem like a good idea to take shelter under a tree during a thunderstorm, it's actually one of the worst things you can do Trees are often the tallest objects around, which makes them prime targets for lightning strikes.
#3 Disconnect electronics
If you can, unplug electronics and appliances before the storm hits. This will help protect them from damage caused by power surges. If you can't disconnect everything, try to at least unplug items that are close to windows.
If you have time, try to move valuables to a safe place, like an interior room or closet. This will help protect them from water damage in case your home starts to flood. Once the storm starts, close all your windows and doors to help keep the wind and rain out. If possible, close window blinds or curtains as well.
#4 Don’t stand under trees
Trees are often taller than anything else around, which means they're more likely to be struck by lightning. If you can avoid it, don't stand near or under trees during a thunderstorm. If you're caught outside when a thunderstorm approaches and there's no chance of staying inside or inside a vehicle, lay down on the ground, close to the surface and try to avoid touching it with any part of your body.
#5 Listen to the radio
Keep informed during a thunderstorm by listening to the radio. If you listen to the local news or watch the weather station, you will be able to get the latest information about the storm's path and severity, so you will know when it is safe to go outside and when to take cover. Moreover, the radio can provide valuable information on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm, such as what to do if your power goes out or how to properly use a generator.
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