Emergency services warn about the dangers of lightning

WEB HEADLINE: Thunderstorm warning for residents

The metro has cautioned residents to be careful as thunderstorms are expected to hit parts of Gauteng over the next few days.

In light of the thunderstorms, Disaster and Emergency Management Services (DEMS) has released a few safety tips to keep in mind if you are caught in a thunderstorm.

How to Avoid Getting Hit by Lightning:

Do:

• Lightning often strikes the tallest object in the area during thunderstorms, so stay away from open fields or hilltops.

• Check weather forecasts daily and avoid going to a swimming pool, river, lake or beach on rainy days and all other water sport activities.

• If you find yourself in open water during a thunderstorm, return to land immediately.

• Look for a low-lying area like a valley or gully, preferably obscured from the rain, and take refuge in there until the storm passes.

• Crouch down with your heels touching your backside and your head between your knees; this will make you a smaller target.

• If you are in a boat and cannot return to safety, drop anchor and crouch as low as possible.

• Turn off and stay away from wired electronics.

• Pedestrians should note umbrellas can increase your risk of getting hit if it is the tallest object in the area.

Don’t:

• During thunderstorms, lightning can travel through water pipes if it strikes your home.

• Do not bathe or shower until the storm has passed.

• Do not swim or partake in water sports during thunderstorms.

• Indoor swimming is equally unsafe. Avoid all large bodies of water during thunderstorms.

• Do not lie down flat; always minimise your contact with the ground. Lightning can be fatal up to 30 metres away from the initial strike.

• Do not stand near or under trees or tall, isolated objects. These are more likely to be struck by lightning.

• Wherever you are, don’t become the highest object anywhere.

• Avoid using TVs, washing machines and corded phones during thunderstorms.

Warnings

• Do not return to the body of water until 30 minutes after the last lightning strike.

• Lightning can, and often does, strike the same place twice. You are not safe just because lightning recently struck an area.

• If your hair stands up or you feel tingling during a thunderstorm, go indoors immediately. This sign means a lightning strike is imminent.

• You are within striking distance of lightning if you can hear thunder.

• Although cellphones are safe to use during thunderstorms, landline phones are unsafe.

• Most lightning deaths occur during the summer months, when outdoor activity and thunderstorms reach a seasonal high.

• Stay away from pools when there is lightning or thunder.

DEMS’ William Ntladi says they remain on high alert for any eventualities that might arise as a result of the thunderstorms.

Communities affected by lightning strikes or any life-threatening emergencies are advised to call Emergency Life Threatening Call Centre immediately for swift intervention.

“In case of emergencies call our direct line (011 458 0911), cellphone (112) or national emergency number (10177),” says Ntladi.

• Ensure that you have the emergency call centre contact numbers readily and clearly displayed for everyone to know and to use.

• Numbers should be saved and easy to access on your telephone or cellphone.

• Speak clearly on the phone when reporting an emergency.

• Provide the operators with all the necessary details required.

• Do not end the conversation until all questions are answered.