Are You Keeping Yourself Safe during a Thunderstorm ?
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After reading about a woman getting struck by lightening in her home last week I think this is a good article for informing people what to do and not to do during a thunderstorm
It has only been published on yahoo today so i could not copy the link as they only stay up a short time, and no other newspaper has published it as of posting
I already knew about unplugging the TV and laptop in case of a power surge but i had not thought of the other dangers shown in the article, such as not bathing or showering because lightning can travel through plumbing
Here is the complete article
People are preparing for thunderstorms up and down the country but what are the best ways to stay safe at home?
The yellow thunderstorm warning is in place for Northern and South East Scotland, North and South West England as well as parts of Wales and Northern Ireland.
The Met Office has told the public to prepare for some disruption including difficult driving conditions, possible flooded roads as well as a slight chance of power cuts.
The weather service has also issued guidance on how to deal with the severe weather including advice on driving and how to tell how far away a storm is from you.
Met Office issues tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm
One of the first things that the Met Office suggests you do in the event of a thunderstorm is to seek shelter - whether it's your home, office or somewhere else.
It has also outlined a number of things you can do before, during and after a thunderstorm to make sure you remain safe:
Before
Unplug any non-essential appliances (if not already using a surge protector)
During
Avoid using the landline, unless in an emergency
If outside avoid water and find a low-lying open place that is a safe distance from trees, poles or metal objects
Avoid activities such as golf, rod fishing or boating on a lake
Be aware of metal objects that can conduct or attract lightning
After
Avoid downed power lines or broken cables
Should I watch TV during a thunderstorm?
No, you should avoid any non-essential appliances - including your TV - during a thunderstorm.
The reason being, our tech has not been created to withstand this kind of surge in electricity.
You should unplug your TVs, computers among other appliances to avoid damaging them.
Can I have a shower during a thunderstorm?
It is also advised not to shower during a thunderstorm since lightning can travel through plumbing.
Many organisations, including the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, have recommended that we should avoid all water during a storm including showers, baths, washing dishes and hands.
How to protect your property from damage or others from injury
The Met Office has also shared some advice on the loose items you'll find outside your home that you should secure before a storm.
It is important to note that you should attempt to fix any damage during a storm.
The items you should secure due to high winds include:
bins
plant pots
garden furniture (bring inside or secure in place)
trampolines (turn upside down or secure with tent pegs)
sheds (ensure doors are locked)
For more guidance and the latest weather forecast, visit the Met Office website.
The storm was amazing here most of the roads was flooded so other half couldn't get to work we definitely needed it tho
Yes I was trying to explain this to my employer at work but they didn't seem to think it was dangerous..
We didn't get the thunderstorm here, but the article gives lots of great advice I had no idea about.
Midnightflower Same here M, especially the shower advice, i read on google there are around thirty incidents a year concerning lightning hits there, not too many worldwide but still a slight chance of it happening
telmel yes I would have never considered it dangerous to shower. It makes sense though considering pipes are made of metal.
Really good advice, always useful to know how to keep safe in adverse weather conditions
telmel - I didn't even know about half of these recommendations. Luckily where I live does not have a storm problem.
jam45 Its good to know if you are travelling to other countries on holiday as well J , especially the USA or countries with rainforests where there are more storms and lightning
I remember many years ago when younger i went to Miami and was swimming in the hotel pool during a thunderstorm , i was the only one
I was not aware that if lightning struck the water i would be toast , unlike now when we are all more educated about safety
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