Advice on protecting people and property during lightning

With the rainy season upon us, thunder and lightning storms across the country are a certainty. According to the South African Weather Service, approximately 260 people are killed by lightning in South Africa each year.  It’s not always possible to predict where and when lightning will strike, but here are some tips that will hopefully keep you, your family and possessions safe when the inevitable lightning activity happens.

Indoor Lightning Safety

Lightning can damage electronics, telephones and other systems connected to an electrical outlet in your house. The easiest way to protect electronics and appliances from power surges is to unplug them when you hear the first clap of thunder. Surge protectors can help, but remember that these are not fail-safe – if the lightning strike is a powerful one, it could still destroy equipment.

Protect your loved ones by making sure everyone stays away from all plumbing including toilets, sinks and taps, as water is a conductor of electricity. Stay off corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment which puts you in direct contact with electricity.

Outdoor Safety

The first rule of keeping safe is to avoid being outside when there is lightning activity. It’s also important to note that lightning often occurs around the edges of a thundercloud, so it doesn’t have to be raining.

At the first sign of lightning or thunder, it’s best to head inside a proper building (rather than a boma or other partial protection). To be safe, it’s best to stay inside for 30 minutes after you heard the last clap of thunder.

Stay away from trees, water, high ground or open fields. Canopy shelters, as well as metal objects such as flag poles and light poles should be avoided. Avoid using items such as umbrellas or golf clubs, or doing activities such as kite-flying. Avoid swimming or standing on a beach, as lightning may strike at the water’s edge.

Don’t forget to bring your pets inside. Doghouses and other pet shelters are not suitable protection against lightning strikes.

A car is a safe place to find shelter. Even though a car is made out of metal, it acts as a ‘Faraday cage’ which prevents current from flowing through the vehicle and its occupants.

Lightning is very dangerous and unpredictable – and, contrary to the old saying, it can even strike twice in the same place. If your property gets struck by lightning which causes damage, call your insurance company as soon as you can to lodge a claim.

[Content via Rory Judd, MiWay head of online marketing]

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