South Africa – one of the highest lightning ground strike areas. Primary risk factor remains not reacting to the threat of a lightning strike in time.
Protecting yourself from a lightning strike injury.
- Avoid being outside in an open space during thunderstorms.
- By hearing thunder, you are in range of a lightning strike. Seek shelter immediately!
- Avoid contact with conductive material, such as computers and landline telephones.
- Do not carry tall metal objects during thunderstorms, like golf clubs or fishing rods.
- Avoid being in or near water.
- Avoid elevated areas and tall objects.
- A car can be a good shelter. Close all the windows and do not touch any metal part of the vehicle.
- A golf car is not a safe or suitable shelter.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after the last observed lightning strike or thunder before going outside in an open spaced area again.
If no shelter
- Crouch down.
- Put your hands on your knees or over your ears to protect them from the noise of the thunder.
- If you have other people with you, ensure that you are at least 4 to 5m apart.
If someone is struck by lightning
- A person struck by lightning is safe to touch.
- Immediately start CPR if the person is not breathing and does not have a pulse.
- Seek emergency medical care immediately by dialling Netcare 911 on 082 911.
Also View:
Lightning and the Safety of Pedestrians
