1. During a thunderstorm, do not stay on high-rise platforms, and avoid entering isolated sheds, guard booths, or similar structures in open outdoor areas.
2. Stay away from exposed metal objects such as building water pipes, gas pipes, and power equipment.
3. Do not take shelter under large trees during a thunderstorm. If absolutely necessary, keep at least 3 meters away from the trunk, crouch down, and keep your legs close together.
4. If you feel ants crawling on your head, neck, or hands, or your hair stands on end during a thunderstorm, it indicates that a lightning strike may be imminent. Immediately drop to the ground to reduce the risk of being struck and remove any metal jewelry, hairpins, necklaces, etc.
5. If you’re caught in a thunderstorm outdoors and cannot quickly get away from tall objects, immediately find dry insulating material to place on the ground, sit on it with your feet together, and do not let your feet touch the ground outside the insulating material since 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 against your thighs, and lower your head as much as possible, as the head is the most vulnerable part of the body to lightning strikes.
7. When you see lightning and hear thunder just a few seconds later while outdoors, it means you are in a dangerous proximity to a thunderstorm. Stop walking, bring your feet together, and immediately crouch down. Do not hold hands with others. It’s best to use plastic rain gear or a raincoat.
8. During a thunderstorm, do not use an umbrella in open fields, or hold 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 stay on or near bodies of water, and avoid washing clothes, fishing, swimming, or playing by the river.
9. During a thunderstorm, avoid riding a motorcycle at high speed, cycling fast, or running through the rain, as the greater the stride, the higher the voltage and the more likely you are to be injured.
10. If you see a high-voltage line struck and broken by lightning, be alert, as step voltages exist near the break point. People nearby should never run but instead jump away with their feet together.
If someone is struck by lightning and remains conscious with normal breathing and heartbeat, have them lie flat on the ground and be closely monitored. Do not allow them to stand or walk to prevent shock or heart failure. If the person loses consciousness, call an ambulance immediately and try to revive them. If breathing has stopped but the heartbeat is present, lay the person flat, loosen clothing and bras, clear the airway, and perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation immediately. If the heartbeat has stopped but breathing continues, begin chest compressions immediately. If both heartbeat and breathing have stopped, immediately begin mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and external cardiac massage.
Shanbei adds a few more points: when lightning occurs, avoid going to high places, people should spread out as much as possible, do not use phones. If indoors, stay away from windows, and minimize or avoid watching TV or using the internet.
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