Facts and fiction when it comes to bad weather
Read how a local got hit by lightning and how to avoid damage to property.
When it comes to lightning and other forms of bad weather, there are a lot of half-truths, facts and total fictions doing the rounds.
Here follows a list of interesting facts, tips to safeguard your belongings against bad weather and busted myths.
“No one lives to talk about being hit by lightning”
False. Read our story about Roodekrans’ Kelby Parker. Studies in America have concluded there is only a 30 per cent mortality rate.
“Nowadays most lightning injuries occur on the golf course”
False. Actually a large number of incidents are work-related, affecting postal and construction workers and persons using telephones that have not been properly grounded. Parker was hit while trying to get his gazebo packed away.
How to deal with thunderstorms:
• When you hear thunder, immediately move to safe shelter; either a building or an enclosed, metal-topped vehicles with the windows up.
• Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after you’ve heard the last thunderstrike.
• Stay away from corded phones, computers and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity.
• Avoid plumbing during a thunderstorm, including sinks, baths and faucets.
• Stay away from windows and doors and keep off porches and balconies.
• Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls.
• Get off elevated areas like hills, mountain ridges or peaks.
• Never lie flat on the ground.
• Never shelter under an isolated tree.
• Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter.
• Immediately get away from ponds, lakes and other bodies of water.
• Stay away from objects that conduct electricity.
Say hamba to hail:
• Raid the linen closet for thick blankets, comforters or even large towels to cover your vehicle during a hail storm.
• Grab an undercover parking spot at a local mall or shopping centre if you’re on the road and hail breaks out. It’s worth the parking charge.
• If you can’t find cover for your car, grab your floor mats and throw them on the roof and hood of your car; it won’t cover everything but will help prevent some paint and glass damage.
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