Thunderstorms are among the most impressive natural phenomena, but they can also be dangerous. It is therefore extremely important to behave correctly during a thunderstorm in order to protect yourself and others. If you find yourself outdoors in the middle of a thunderstorm, it is extremely important to be aware and behave correctly in order to protect yourself from the dangers associated with lightning strikes.
What to do during a thunderstorm: What you need to know
Follow the advice early on if you notice an approaching thunderstorm. The range of lightning can be between 5 and 10 kilometers. The actual range of lightning is, of course, dependent on several factors, such as the strength of the lightning, the humidity, and the type of environment in which the lightning occurs. But the saying "like a bolt from the blue" describes the danger quite well.
What exactly is a lightning strike?
Lightning is a discharge of electrical energy in the atmosphere. During a lightning strike, an enormous amount of electrical charge is released in a short period of time. This can lead to extremely high temperatures, which ionize the surrounding air and produce a visible arc of light.
Lightning can occur both within thunderclouds and between clouds or between a cloud and the ground. It is a fascinating natural phenomenon that never ceases to amaze us. But lightning can also be dangerous.
Every year, people die or suffer serious injuries as a result of lightning strikes. It is therefore important to exercise caution during thunderstorms and to follow certain rules of conduct.
Protection in the car?
A car can actually protect you from lightning strikes during a thunderstorm. This is because the metal body of a car acts as a Faraday cage. This means that the electrical charge from the lightning is conducted around the outside of the car, keeping the occupants inside the vehicle safe.
However, it is important to note that this only applies to cars with a solid roof. Convertibles or open-top vehicles do not offer sufficient protection against lightning strikes. In addition, you should not come into direct contact with metal parts in the car, such as the steering wheel or dashboard, as these could become conductors of electricity in the event of a lightning strike.
It is of course also advisable to drive more slowly during a thunderstorm and concentrate on the traffic in order to avoid potential hazards. If there is heavy rain, you should also be aware of the dangers of aquaplaning. If possible, it is also advisable to drive to a safe place such as a motorway service station or garage to minimize the risk of being struck by lightning.
Even though the vehicle offers a certain amount of protection with its metal body, there is still a risk of lightning strikes, and even a car does not offer 100% protection. Of course, it is better than standing outside on your own, but in individual cases it may be advisable to leave the car during a thunderstorm and seek a safe shelter such as a building. Provided you can get from the car to the building safely.
The German Weather Service continuously publishes current severe weather warnings.
Behavior in open spaces
In open areas, there is an increased risk of being struck by lightning, as you may be the highest point in the vicinity.
The first thing you should do is look for a building to take shelter in. If there is a house or building nearby, go there to minimize the risk of being struck directly by lightning. A building acts as a conductive structure that diverts the lightning, thus protecting people in its vicinity.
If there are no buildings in sight, it is advisable to get into a low position. Find a depression in the ground or crouch down on the balls of your feet to minimize your body surface area. Be sure to keep your feet close together.
Avoid standing near tall trees, poles, or other objects that could attract lightning. Keep in mind that lightning can also spread across the ground, so stay away from metal fences or similar objects.
How to behave in the forest
Being in the forest during a thunderstorm can be extremely dangerous. Lightning strikes pose a serious threat. The first step in behaving correctly in the forest during a thunderstorm is to immediately look for a safe place. Trees are a heightened lightning hazard and do not provide adequate protection. It is advisable to stay in a low-lying area of the forest. Look for depressions or deep valleys where you can reach the lowest point.
Avoid standing directly next to individual trees or in open areas in the forest.
It is also important to stay away from water sources such as streams, ponds, or lakes, as water easily conducts electrical charges. Seek shelter in a building or a solid shelter. If you cannot find a safe place nearby, it is important to take up a safer position. Crouch down on the ground, keep your legs together, and avoid lying flat on the ground. This position reduces the risk of lightning striking your body directly.
How to behave in the water
The only correct thing to do during a thunderstorm is to leave the water as quickly as possible and go into a building or your car. Lightning seeks out the highest point, and if you are in the water, that is always a person swimming or a boat on an open stretch of water. And even if the lightning strikes elsewhere in the lake or sea, the electrical discharge can be fatal for people swimming. This single rule of "get out of the water immediately" also applies when you are at an outdoor swimming pool, of course.
The correct behavior during a thunderstorm indoors
If you are indoors during a thunderstorm, stay inside: seek shelter inside your home and avoid going outside. Also avoid opening windows and doors during the thunderstorm. Stay away from metal objects such as electrical appliances, telephones, or water pipes, as these can conduct electricity.
Stay away from water: avoid showering, bathing, or washing your hands during a thunderstorm, as electrical discharges can easily pass through water pipes. Close all windows and doors during the thunderstorm to prevent rain from entering and to avoid potential lightning hazards.
Stay away from high places such as balconies, roof terraces, or hills, as they pose an increased risk of lightning strikes. And disconnect electrical devices, unplug electrical appliances during thunderstorms to protect them from possible power surges.
Staying indoors during a thunderstorm also means that watering the garden can wait: refrain from watering the garden or working with water-powered garden tools during a thunderstorm. And stay away from large windows or glass doors to avoid injury from flying debris.
Checklist: What is the correct behavior during a thunderstorm?
During a thunderstorm, it is important to behave correctly in order to minimize the risk of damage or injury.
Here is a summary of some recommended behaviors to follow during a thunderstorm:
- Stay indoors or seek shelter in a safe place. Avoid open areas, water, and metal objects.
- Close windows and doors to limit the impact of lightning strikes and prevent possible damage from flying objects.
- Turn off electrical appliances and all unnecessary electronic devices to minimize the risk of lightning strikes.
- Avoid using corded phones, as they can act as conductors for electrical discharge. Use cell phones instead.
- Avoid water in any form, such as lakes, rivers, or showers during thunderstorms, as water conducts electricity.
- Stay away from high areas or trees, as these are more likely to be struck by lightning.
- If you are in an open field and there is no safe place nearby, crouch down and make yourself as small as possible. However, avoid lying flat on the ground.
- If you are in a car, stay inside, close the windows, and avoid contact with metal parts.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder before going outside again.
Additional note: During a thunderstorm, you should also refrain from making calls on a landline or using electronic devices with metal parts, as these can also pose a danger. Although bicycles, cell phones, and metal railings do not directly attract lightning, they can conduct electricity particularly well in the event of a strike, leading to severe burns.
By following these safety rules, you can minimize the risk of accidents caused by thunderstorms and protect yourself. Some of the advice may seem overly cautious, but perhaps we have been able to raise awareness of the correct behavior to adopt during a thunderstorm. In general, the rule is to remain calm and protect yourself from danger as best you can. It is advisable to follow the latest weather warnings and the instructions issued by the local authorities.