Thunderstorm Safety Precautions
Thunderstorms are intense weather phenomena caused by extreme atmospheric instability. They often bring strong winds, heavy rain, lightning, thunder, and may even be accompanied by hail or tornadoes, thus frequently causing disasters. So, what precautions should you take during a thunderstorm? We specifically remind you to follow these ten safety tips when outdoors to ensure your safety:
1. Do not stay on high-rise platforms during a thunderstorm. In open outdoor areas, avoid entering isolated sheds, guard booths, or similar structures.
2. Stay away from exposed metal objects such as building water pipes and gas pipes, as well as electrical equipment.
3. Avoid taking shelter under trees during a thunderstorm. If absolutely necessary, keep at least 3 meters away from the trunk, squat down, and keep your legs close together.
4. If you feel ants crawling on your head, neck, or hands, or if your hair stands on end during a thunderstorm, it indicates that a lightning strike may occur. Immediately drop to the ground to reduce the risk of being struck, and remove any metal accessories such as jewelry, hairpins, or necklaces.
5. If caught in a thunderstorm outdoors and unable to quickly move away from tall objects, immediately find dry insulating material to place on the ground, then put both feet together on it. Do not place your feet on the ground outside the insulating material, as water conducts electricity.
6. When seeking shelter from a thunderstorm outdoors, avoid placing your hands on the ground. Instead, hug your knees with both hands, press your chest to your thighs, and keep your head as low as possible, since the head is the most vulnerable part of the body to lightning strikes.
7. If you see lightning and hear thunder within a few seconds while outdoors, you are in a dangerous proximity to a thunderstorm. Stop walking, bring your feet together, and immediately squat down. Do not hold hands with others, and it’s best to use plastic rain gear or a raincoat.
8. During a thunderstorm, avoid using an umbrella in open fields, or holding high objects such as badminton rackets, golf clubs, or hoes. Avoid outdoor sports activities—playing golf or soccer during a thunderstorm is extremely dangerous. Do not remain on or near bodies of water, and avoid washing clothes, fishing, swimming, or playing by the river.
9. During a thunderstorm, avoid rapidly riding a motorcycle, cycling fast, or running through the rain, as a larger stride increases the voltage and raises the risk of injury.
10. If you see a high-voltage power line broken by lightning while outdoors, stay alert—the area near the break may carry step voltage. People nearby should not run but instead keep their feet together and jump away from the scene.
Now that you know these ten thunderstorm safety tips, we recommend applying them during such weather. Remember, thunderstorms are just a natural phenomenon—there's no need to be overly afraid.