FOR the second time in approximately two years, lightning has struck a particular palm tree in Park Street.
Eddie and Elna Potgieter awoke to the sound of their neighbours dousing flames as the unlucky tree was set alight by a lightning strike at approximately 10:00pm on Tuesday night. Although nobody was injured, there was a fair amount of damage to the property and the power supply to the house was cut off. According to Mr Potgieter, the tree will be removed to avoid further incidents of this nature.
According to WikiHow, there are a few tips one can follow to avoid being struck by lightning when a storm seems imminent. First and foremost, seek shelter immediately. If you are nowhere near the adequate shelter of a house or building, it is imperative to seek alternative shelter and know how to utilise that shelter safely.
Never hide under a tree during a storm. Since trees are positive charged, and the lightning is negative charged, the tree will probably be struck. Lightning always seeks the highest object.
WikiHow also states that if you are in a car, you are safe as lightning travels through the metal frame of the car to the ground, and not through you. It’s a myth that the tyres prevent a car from being struck, as lightning can easily overcome the electrical resistance of rubber tires. If you are outside, touching the metal and a lightning bolt strikes the car, you will probably be electrocuted, so be aware. If you are in a building of any sort, do not use any electric appliances in case lightning strikes your house or a nearby power line.
If there is no shelter at all nearby, crouch in a low lying ditch. Get down as low as you can and keep down. Avoid being near high objects that will attract the lightning. Note that lightning often strikes the same place twice, so don’t think that if you see lightning hit something, you should go there for safety. When you are crouched in the ditch, stay there until the storm has completely passed your area.
