Thunderstorms are some of the most impressive natural phenomena, but they can also be dangerous. Proper behavior during thunderstorms is therefore of utmost importance to protect yourself and others. If you are outdoors in the middle of a thunderstorm, it is extremely important to be aware and behave correctly to protect yourself from the dangers associated with lightning strikes.
Correct behavior during thunderstorms: What you need to know
Follow the advice early if you notice a thunderstorm approaching. The range of a lightning bolt can be between 5 and 10 kilometers. The actual range of lightning naturally depends 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 "bolts from a clear sky" describes the danger quite well.
What is a lightning strike anyway?
Lightning is a discharge of electrical energy in the atmosphere. During a flash, an enormous amount of electrical charge is released in a short period of time. This can lead to extremely high temperatures that ionize the surrounding air and create a visible arc.
Lightning can occur within storm clouds, 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 from lightning strikes. That's why it's important to exercise caution during thunderstorms and follow certain rules of conduct.
Protection in the car?
A car can actually protect against lightning strikes during a thunderstorm. This is because the metal casing of a car acts as what is known as a Faraday cage. This means that the electrical charge from lightning is diverted around the exterior of the car, keeping the occupants inside the vehicle safe.
However, it is important to note that this only applies to cars with a tightly closed roof. Convertibles or open-top vehicles do not offer sufficient protection against lightning strikes. In addition, you should not have 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 and concentrate on the traffic during a thunderstorm to avoid any potential hazards and, if there is heavy rain, to think about the dangers of aquaplaning. If possible, it is also advisable to pull over to a safe place such as a motorway service station or garage to minimise the risk of being struck by lightning.
Even if the vehicle offers a certain amount of protection with its metal body, there is still a risk of lightning strikes and the car does not offer 100% protection. Of course it is better than standing outside yourself, but in individual cases it may be advisable to stay in the car during a thunderstorm and then seek shelter in a safe place such as a building. If 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 because you may be standing at the highest point in the area.
The first thing you should do is look for a building to shelter in. If there is a house or building nearby, go there to minimize the risk of a direct lightning strike. A building acts as a conductive structure that diverts lightning and thus protects people near it.
If there are no buildings in sight, it is advisable to get into a low position. Find a depression in the ground or squat 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. Remember that lightning can also spread across the ground, so you should 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 proper behavior in the forest during a thunderstorm is to immediately look for a safe place. Trees are an increased risk of lightning and do not provide adequate protection. It is advisable to stay in a low 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 solid shelter. If you cannot find a safe place nearby, it is important to take a safer position. Crouch on the ground, keep your legs together and avoid lying flat on the ground. This position reduces the risk of lightning jumping directly to your body.
How to behave in the water
The only correct thing to do during a thunderstorm is to get out of the water as quickly as possible and into a building or your car. Lightning bolts seek out the highest point, and if you are in the water, that is always a person or boat swimming on an open body of water. And even if the lightning strikes somewhere else in the lake or sea, the electrical discharge can be fatal for people swimming. This one rule of "get out of the water immediately" also applies to a stay in an outdoor pool.
Correct behavior during a thunderstorm in the house
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 storm. 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 hands during a thunderstorm, as electrical discharges can easily travel through water pipes. Close all windows and doors during the storm to prevent rain and potential lightning hazards.
Stay away from high places such as balconies, rooftops or hills as they pose an increased risk of lightning strikes. And unplug electrical devices during a thunderstorm to protect them from possible power fluctuations.
You should stay indoors during a thunderstorm, which also means turning off the water in the garden. Don't water the garden or work with garden tools that run on water during a thunderstorm. And stay away from large windows or glass doors to avoid injuries from flying debris.
Checklist: how should you behave during a thunderstorm?
During a thunderstorm, it is important to behave correctly to minimize the risk of damage or injury.
Here are some recommended behaviors for behavior during thunderstorms:
- Stay indoors or seek safe shelter. Avoid open areas, water, and metal objects.
- Close windows and doors to limit lightning strikes and prevent possible damage from flying objects.
- Turn off electrical appliances and all non-essential 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 showering during a thunderstorm as water conducts electricity.
- Stay away from tall areas or trees as they have a higher chance of being 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, but 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 a thunderstorm is heard before going outside again.
Additional hint: During a thunderstorm, you should also avoid using landlines or electronic devices with metal parts, as these can also be dangerous. Bicycles, cell phones or metal railings do not attract lightning directly, but they can conduct electricity particularly well when it strikes and can therefore cause serious burns.
By following these safety rules, you can minimize the risk of thunderstorm-related accidents and protect yourself. Some of the advice may be considered overly cautious, but perhaps we have been able to raise awareness of the correct behavior during thunderstorms. In general, keep calm and protect yourself from danger as best you can. It is advisable to keep an eye on the current weather warnings and follow the instructions of the local authorities.