How to prevent being struck by lightning

South Africa is considered one of the highest lightning ground strike areas.

“Primary risk factor remains not reacting to the threat of a lightning strike in time,” said Shawn Herbst from Netcare 911.

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He provided the following tips to ensure protection from a lightning strike injury:

• Avoid being outside in an open space during thunderstorms.
• By hearing thunder, you are in the range of a lightning strike. Seek shelter.
• 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 there is 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 you are at least four to five metres 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.

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