Electrical Storm Safety: What To Avoid

When an electrical storm rolls in, it's natural to feel a mix of awe and concern. These powerful displays of nature, characterized by lightning and thunder, can be both beautiful and dangerous. Understanding what to avoid during an electrical storm is crucial for ensuring your safety and the safety of those around you. While some precautions might seem obvious, others are less intuitive and can significantly reduce your risk of injury. This article will delve into the key things you should steer clear of when lightning is active, helping you navigate these stormy conditions with confidence.

Staying Safe Indoors: The Primary Defense

When lightning is present, the safest place to be is inside a substantial building with plumbing and electrical wiring. These structures offer a significant degree of protection. However, even indoors, there are specific actions and objects to avoid to minimize risk. One major concern is going close to open flames. This might seem unusual, but during a thunderstorm, electrical charges can travel through the air and potentially ignite flammable materials. This includes fireplaces, gas stoves, and even candles. The heat generated by an open flame, combined with any stray electrical current, can create a hazardous situation. Furthermore, it's important to remember that electricity can travel through pipes. Therefore, avoiding contact with plumbing is also a critical safety measure. This means refraining from showering, bathing, washing dishes, or any activity that involves running water. The metal pipes can act as conductors, bringing a lightning strike into your home. Similarly, avoiding contact with electrical equipment and cords is paramount. Lightning can travel through electrical systems, so unplugging appliances and electronics before a storm hits can prevent damage and reduce the risk of electrical shock. Don't use corded phones; cordless or mobile phones are generally safer, although it's best to avoid using them altogether during the height of the storm if possible. The goal is to create as much distance as possible between yourself and potential pathways for electrical current.

Outdoor Dangers: What to Steer Clear Of

For those caught outdoors when an electrical storm strikes, the risks are significantly higher, and knowing what to avoid is absolutely critical. Touching metal objects is a major no-no. This includes things like fences, bleachers, metal sheds, golf clubs, and even umbrellas with metal frames. Metal is an excellent conductor of electricity, and if lightning strikes nearby, the charge can easily travel through these objects, posing a severe threat to anyone in contact with them. Another significant danger is seeking shelter under tall, isolated objects, such as trees. While it might seem like a logical place to hide from the rain, these objects are often the most attractive targets for lightning strikes. Driving vehicles can also be risky, though cars generally offer more protection than being completely exposed. The metal frame of a car can act as a Faraday cage, channeling the electrical current around the occupants. However, you should still avoid touching metal parts inside the car, such as door handles or the radio. If you are in a convertible or an open-top vehicle, the protection is significantly reduced. If you are in a car and see lightning, pull over to a safe location away from trees and power lines, and wait for the storm to pass. It's also important to avoid open fields, hilltops, and bodies of water. Water is a conductor, and being in or near it during a storm greatly increases your risk of being struck. Similarly, avoid being on high ground or in wide-open spaces where you are the most prominent object, making you a more likely target. If you are hiking, seek shelter in a low-lying area or a sturdy building as soon as possible. Remember, staying low to the ground in an open area can reduce your exposure, but it's not a substitute for seeking proper shelter. The goal is to remove yourself from any potential pathways of electrical discharge.

When to Seek Immediate Shelter

Recognizing the signs that indicate an immediate need for shelter during an electrical storm is vital for preventing serious harm. The most obvious sign is hearing thunder. If you can hear thunder, it means lightning is close enough to strike your location. This is often referred to as the