A warm day often ends in a heavy thunderstorm. And thunder is extremely dangerous! This is partly due to the unprecedented speed at which lightning can strike. Moreover, the danger lies in the unpredictability of where lightning will strike. But not everyone knows what is best to do in every situation to eliminate the danger.
How and when does thunder arise?
Thunderstorms often occur after a warm, humid day. The moist air, consisting of water droplets, rises quickly on such a day and also cools down quickly. A cloud forms. The small water droplets freeze in this cloud and form small pieces of ice. These drop down. At the same time, moist air continues to rise from Earth. As the cold and icy particles sink and simultaneously collide with the rising moist air, a cloud becomes electrically charged. If the voltage becomes too great, lightning occurs.
Lightning strike
In the Netherlands, approximately 100,000 lightning bolts occur annually. Still, the chance that you will be hit is small. This chance is 1 in 2 million. In the Netherlands, about two people die every year because they are struck by lightning. Worldwide, 1,000 people die as a result of lightning strikes. It is good to know that lightning seeks out the highest point nearby.
How do you know if the storm is nearby?
You can estimate how close the thunder is by counting how long it takes for it to thunder after you see the lightning. Every three seconds is equivalent to approximately one kilometer.
What should you do
At home
The safest place from lightning is at home. Close your windows and doors and keep a safe distance from the windows. Windows can break as a result of lightning strikes. Furthermore, you should keep your distance from anything that contains metal and has a connection with the world outside. For example, do not use a tap and do not take a bath because of the water pipe. Stay away from the heater. Do not use a corded telephone, except in emergencies of course.
In the car
The car is a fairly safe place, provided it has a metal roof. The metal keeps the lightning on the outside. Please make sure that the windows and doors are closed.
Open field
If you are on an open field, such as a sports field, it is best to look for the lowest spot. Make yourself as small as possible by crouching down. Keep your feet together.
In the woods
If you are in the forest, it is best to stand near a group of smaller trees. Lightning is more likely to strike a taller tree or a tree that stands alone somewhere.
Other warnings
- Do not use an umbrella
- Do not go on the water and stay away from water. Think of swimming pools, lakes, rivers, recreational lakes, the sea.
- Stay as far away from metal objects as possible.
- Stay away from high points and buildings.
What should you do if someone is affected
In people struck by lightning, cardiac arrhythmias and burns are the most common injuries.
- Depending on the condition of the victim, you can move the victim to a safe place.
- Alert the emergency services as soon as possible.
- If possible, provide first aid.
- Always consult a doctor, even if the victim seems to be doing better. Internal injuries can always have occurred.
