What to do if you are hit by a lightning strike (and how to avoid it)

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I always use the phrase “likely a lightning strike” to describe an unlikely event, According to the National Weather ServiceAbout 20 people are killed by lightning each year, and hundreds more are injured.No, it’s not worth the hassle, but I still don’t want to do it Get used to One of those people. This section describes how to avoid lightning strikes and what to do if a statistical anomaly occurs.

How to avoid lightning strikes

The most obvious is true. Do not go outside during a storm. You already know it.Then you that is Stuck outside while a thunderstorm is in progress. the New York Ministry of Health We recommend that you do the following:

• Avoid fields, hilltops, and ridgetops
• Keep away from tall isolated trees and other tall objects
• If you are in a group of people, spread it to avoid the current flowing from person to person in the event of a lightning strike

• Keep away from all water and anything that may be wet

Contrary to common belief, do not use water and metal Attract Lightning—But they can do it and carry it in quite a way. Electric current travels long distances between water and metal, so it is best not to flow around either.

In addition to monitoring the weather using radios and smartphones, look for visual signs of an oncoming storm. Towering clouds resembling cauliflower, dark daytime skies, distant thunder, and, of course, visible lightning flashes. As soon as you notice these clues, go inside and uncover. Don’t wait for the lightning to hit nearby.

Even if you are indoors, you need to take precautions to avoid certain types of lightning strikes. The following details the different types of lightning strikes, but for now, here’s what to do when you’re inside: According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention:

• Avoid water. Do not take a shower, wash dishes, or touch plumbing during a thunderstorm. As if a lightning-strike house could enter you through pipes and water..
• Do not use electronic devices, especially those that are connected to an outlet.
• Do not use corded phones. However, if you need special help, feel free to use your cordless or mobile phone.
• Do not lie down or lean on the concrete floor. There are metal wires and rods inside, which can cause lightning.

What to do if a nearby person is struck by lightning

If someone near you is hit by a lightning strike, according to the New York Department of Health, what you do is: Centers for Disease Control and PreventionAnd in California Dignity health:

• Call 911 right away.
• Note that if more than one person is beaten, it may help the unconscious first and appear dead at first.
• If the danger of a lightning strike continues, move the person to a safer place.
• Perform CPR Immediately (and know that you are not at risk because there is no charge left in their bodies).
• Cover the person with a jacket or blanket to prevent hypothermia.
• Take care of those who have been struck but then remain conscious, but be aware that their wounds may include burns and fractures.

What should I do you Lightning strike

A lightning strike can cause you to fall unknowingly, so I hope someone nearby can help you. Call 911 as soon as you can stay conscious. I’m sorry, that’s all. The effects of lightning strikes can be quite cruelSo the most important thing is to seek help as soon as possible.

There are different types of lightning strikes

According to the National Weather ServiceIn fact, there are five ways lightning can hit a victim, but all can be fatal.

• A Direct hit Occurs when a person becomes part of the main lightning discharge channel. Probably because they were in the open area. These are not particularly common, but are potentially the most deadly.
• A Side splash or side flash It is when lightning hits a higher object near the victim and some of the current travels to the victim. This is why you shouldn’t evacuate under tall trees.
• A Ground current A lightning strike occurs when a lightning strike hits an object, and energy travels outward from the lightning strike into or along the ground. If you are near a strike, you can sacrifice ground current, but be aware that ground current can also flow on concrete floors that contain conductive materials.
• transmission It causes casualties from most indoor lightning and some outdoor lightning casualties. Here, anyone who comes in contact with metal wires, pipes, or anything connected to an outwardly extending metal surface is at risk. For this reason, do not take a shower, use a faucet, or touch a corded phone during a storm.
• streamerAccording to the NWS, “The downward-moving leader grows as it approaches the ground. Normally, only one of the streamers comes into contact with the leader, and the leader approaches the ground, providing a bright return stroke path. When the main channel discharges, all other streamers in the area also discharge. ”Basically, this also means that you should try to get inside when a storm is approaching. ..

Seriously, how likely is one of these?

Don’t panic. Lightning strikes are extremely rare. Per NWSIn the United States, an average of 43 lightning deaths are reported annually between 1989 and 2018. The 90% who survived experience varying degrees of disability, but only about 10% died. Be vigilant and take the necessary steps to avoid a strike to avoid becoming one of the strikes.