Beatrice Lang
Electrical storms can be extremely dangerous, and it's important to know what to avoid to stay safe. If you're caught in an electrical storm, there are several things you should not do, including going near open flames, touching metal objects, or using your phone. Additionally, it is advised to stay away from natural lightning rods, such as isolated trees, and to avoid wide-open spaces. If you're driving, it's best to stay inside your car, but avoid convertibles. If lightning is about to strike, it is recommended to crouch down and avoid standing near other people.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Going close to open flames | Avoid |
| Touching metal objects | Avoid |
| Driving vehicles | Avoid |
| Using a phone | Avoid |
| Being outdoors | Avoid |
| Staying near tall objects | Avoid |
| Using electronic devices | Avoid |
| Being in contact with water and plumbing | Avoid |
| Staying near windows and doors | Avoid |
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What You'll Learn
Avoid metal objects
During an electrical storm, it is important to avoid touching metal objects. Metal does not attract electricity, but it is an excellent conductor. If you are struck by lightning while in contact with metal, your chances of sustaining burn injuries increase.
If you are caught in an electrical storm, it is best to avoid carrying metal objects such as golf clubs, fishing poles, tennis rackets, tools, keys, jewellery, or umbrellas. If you are wearing metal shoes, take them off and stay away from isolated trees. It is also important to avoid other metal objects, such as wire fences, metal sheds, clotheslines, poles, and metal carts. If you are in a boat, drop anchor and get as low as possible.
If you are indoors, unplug electronic equipment and avoid contact with electrical equipment and cords during storms. Stay away from windows and doors, and do not stand near tall objects or natural lightning rods such as trees, telephone poles, or flagpoles.
If you are in a vehicle during an electrical storm, it is generally safer to stay inside, especially if it has a metal body or a metal top, as this acts as a Faraday cage with zero electrical field inside. However, do not touch the metal surfaces of the car, and refrain from using electronic devices, including radios and phones, as these can conduct electricity.
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Stay away from tall structures
If you are caught outside during an electrical storm, it is important to stay away from tall structures. Lightning tends to strike the tallest object around. Therefore, it is advisable to stay away from tall objects such as trees, telephone poles, and flag poles. A safe distance from these tall objects is twice the height of the object.
If you are in a group, it is recommended to separate from each other to reduce the number of injuries if lightning strikes the ground. It is also important to avoid carrying metal objects, such as golf clubs, fishing poles, umbrellas, or backpacks with metal frames. Metal does not attract electricity, but it is a good conductor. Your chances of being directly hit by lightning are higher when you carry a conductor above shoulder level.
If you are unable to find shelter indoors, it is recommended to get as low as possible and assume a crouched position. This will help reduce your chances of being struck by lightning, as it tends to hit taller objects. Additionally, it is important to avoid standing near bodies of water, such as pools, lakes, or ponds, as lightning can travel through water and electrocute you.
If you are caught in a boat during an electrical storm, it is crucial to drop anchor and get as low as possible. Staying in an enclosed area, such as a cabin, can provide some protection from lightning strikes. Remember, the best way to protect yourself during an electrical storm is to get inside a safe structure, such as a house, large building, or all-metal vehicle, and avoid tall structures outdoors.
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Do not use phones
During an electrical storm, it is important to avoid using phones, especially ones that are corded. While the risk of being struck by lightning through a phone is small, it is still a risk. Lightning can travel through outdoor wiring and phone lines, which can cause electrocution. This can result in severe injuries, including burst eardrums and cardiac arrest.
In 1985, a lightning strike caused an electrical surge to travel through a telephone wire in New Jersey, leading to the death of a teenager. Similar incidents have been reported, emphasizing the potential danger of using corded phones during a storm.
Cordless and cellular phones are generally considered safe to use during a storm as they are not connected to outdoor wiring. However, using them outdoors in a storm can turn them into a hazard, similar to any other metal object. Metal components in mobile phones can attract lightning, increasing the likelihood of being struck. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid using phones altogether and seek shelter indoors until the storm passes.
If you are caught in an electrical storm, it is crucial to stay away from tall structures, such as telephone poles and trees, as lightning tends to strike the tallest objects. Additionally, separate yourself from others to reduce the number of potential injuries if lightning strikes the ground.
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Avoid open spaces
It is important to avoid open spaces during electrical storms. If you are in an open space, crouch down in a low point, keeping away from tall objects such as trees, telephone poles, or flag poles. Lightning tends to strike the tallest object around, so it is best to stay away from anything tall that could act as a natural lightning rod. If you are in a group, separate and spread out to reduce the number of injuries if lightning strikes the ground.
If you are in an open space during a lightning storm, do not seek shelter in open structures such as porches, gazebos, baseball dugouts, or sports arenas. These structures will not protect you from lightning. Tents, picnic shelters, and other open shelters do not provide protection from lightning either. Instead, move inside a house, large building, or hard-top vehicle with the windows rolled up. Safe shelters include homes, offices, shopping centers, and vehicles such as cars, minivans, buses, and trucks.
If you are caught in a lightning storm while driving, slow down and use extra caution. Pull off the road into a safe area if possible, and stay inside your vehicle. A vehicle is considered safe during a lightning storm if it is fully enclosed with a metal top. Do not use electronic devices such as the radio, and avoid touching any metal objects.
It is important to plan ahead to avoid being caught in an open space during an electrical storm. Check the weather forecast before participating in outdoor activities, especially during the summer months when thunderstorms are more common. If you are caught outside, assess the lightning threat early and take appropriate actions to minimize your risk. Remember, the best defense is to avoid lightning altogether.
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Stay away from water
Water is a good conductor of electricity, so it's important to stay away from it during an electrical storm. This includes not only large bodies of water like lakes, ponds, and swimming pools but also smaller sources of water like puddles and even damp grass. If you're caught in a storm while out on the water in a small boat, drop anchor and get as low as possible in the boat.
If you're at the beach when a lightning storm hits, it's crucial to find enclosed shelter, such as your car, a building, or a hard-top vehicle. Avoid open structures like gazebos or picnic shelters, as these won't protect you from lightning. The same goes for trees, which can be natural lightning rods and should be avoided.
It's also important to avoid any activities that involve water during an electrical storm. This includes swimming, of course, but also things like washing dishes or even taking a shower. It's best to stay away from plumbing and pipes, as lightning can travel through them.
Additionally, if you're caught in the rain during a storm, get to shelter as quickly as possible and remove any wet clothing. Even non-conductive materials like cloth can conduct electricity if they're wet, so it's crucial to stay dry.
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Frequently asked questions
Going close to open flames, touching metal objects, and using phones are all things that should be avoided during an electrical storm.
Metal is a good conductor of electricity, so touching metal objects during an electrical storm can increase your chances of being burned if you are struck by lightning.
If you are caught outside during an electrical storm, it is important to move to a low point and avoid tall objects such as trees, poles, and fences. You should also avoid water and stay away from other people.
While it is safe to use cordless or cellular phones during an electrical storm, it is recommended to avoid using corded phones unless it is an emergency.
