Ways Lightning Strikes People
Direct Strike - A person struck directly by lightning becomes a part of the main lightning discharge channel.
Side Flash Ground Current - A side flash (also called a side splash) occurs when lightning strikes a taller object near the victim and a portion of the current jumps from taller object to the victim.
Ground Current - When lightning strikes a tree or other object, much of the energy travels outward from the strike in and along the ground surface.
Contact Potential - While you're touching something, like a fence-post or a tree, lighting strikes that object and the current travels from the object through the point of contact into your body.
How to Avoid Getting Hit by Lightning
- Avoid being out in any open areas like fields, golf courses, or parking lots. Here you are the tallest thing around, and the easiest target.
- Squat low to the ground, and place your hands on your knees with your head between them.Do not lie flat on the ground!
Stay away from forms of metal.- Don’t stand under tall objects like trees or towers
If someone is struck by lightning..,
He or she does not carry an electrical charge and can be handled safely.- Check for breathing and heartbeat. If breathing has stopped, begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation
- If the victim is breathing and has a normal pulse, check for other signs of injury. Lightning victims often suffer severe burns in two places: where the lightning entered and where it exited the body.
- If any abnormalities are evident, the victim may be admitted to the hospital for further diagnostic work-up and treatment.
*There is no danger in touching, holding or carrying a person struck by lightning.
Do you Know.. ?
Life Is safe inside an enclosed metal Object
- If you see dark clouds, then lightning could be present, but the best thing you can do is to listen for thunder.
- If you hear thunder, then you need to go indoors or get in a car.
- Please be aware of weather forecast regarding lightning and thunder storms issued by Department of Meteorology.