Caught in a downpour?
Staying Safe During Thunderstorms: Expert Advice from Dr. Bernd Böttiger
In open nature, thunderstorms can be a potentially dangerous event. Dr. Bernd Böttiger, federal doctor of the German Red Cross (DRK), has issued a series of guidelines to help minimize the risk of injury from lightning.
First and foremost, seek shelter immediately inside a building with wiring and plumbing or inside a metal vehicle, which are the safest places outdoors. Avoid open terrain such as hills, ridges, open fields, and large meadows, as well as forest edges and solitary tall trees, which are prime lightning targets.
If no shelter is available, get to the lowest possible elevation, such as a valley or hollow, to reduce exposure. It is crucial to avoid water (lakes, rivers, swimming pools) and wet areas because water conducts electricity and increases the risk.
In such situations, crouch down on the balls of your feet to minimize ground contact, tuck your head between your knees or to your chest, and cover your ears to reduce hearing damage from thunder. Maintain a distance of at least one meter from others to prevent any current flow between people.
It is essential to avoid any objects or activities that could conduct electricity. This includes avoiding contact with metal objects such as golf clubs, umbrellas, fishing rods, bicycles, tents with metal poles or guy wires, and metal fences. Do not use landline telephones or other electrical appliances during a storm to avoid electrical surges.
In camping scenarios, it is best to leave tents and move to a vehicle or building because tents do not provide adequate protection from lightning. If you feel your hair stand on end, which indicates an imminent strike, immediately drop to the safe crouching position described above.
However, no position outdoors can guarantee complete safety during a thunderstorm. The best advice is always to seek enclosed shelter as soon as thunder is heard, following the principle "when thunder roars, go indoors."
In the absence of a safe building or vehicle, finding open ground with no tall objects nearby can be a better choice for safety during a thunderstorm. Dr. Böttiger warns that objects - from trees to roof structures - may catch fire or fall due to lightning strikes during a thunderstorm.
Always remember, during a thunderstorm, prioritizing safety measures is crucial to minimize the risk of injury from lightning. Stay safe, and let's enjoy nature's spectacle responsibly.
[1] National Weather Service. (n.d.). Lightning safety: Before, during, and after a storm. Retrieved from https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning
[2] National Lightning Safety Institute. (n.d.). Lightning safety rules. Retrieved from https://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/rules.htm
[3] Red Cross. (n.d.). Lightning safety. Retrieved from https://www.redcross.org.uk/get-help/first-aid/lightning-safety/
[4] World Meteorological Organization. (n.d.). Lightning safety. Retrieved from https://public.wmo.int/en/resources/lightning-safety
[5] National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. (n.d.). Lightning safety: Staying safe during a thunderstorm. Retrieved from https://www.weather.gov/safety/thunderstorm-lightning
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