How to avoid getting hit by lightning

The chances of getting hit by lightning are one in 600,000, but recent reports show that at least five people have died and more have been hurt in separate lightning strike incidents in different areas of the country.

 

Now that the rainy season is upon us and especially since the tropical depression Dindo is now a full-blown storm, lightning strikes become more threatening than ever. 
 

Thankfully, there are ways to stay on the safe side of the statistic and avoid getting hit by one trillion watts of energy.

 

Common sense dictates that the first thing to do in a lightning storm is to stay away from conductors of electricity—water, metal structures, power lines, and telephone lines.

 

Identifying lightning-generating clouds is also helpful.

 

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) in a report on GMA News’ Balitanghali on June 27, 2012, people should look out for cumulonimbus clouds, which are thick and are shaped like a cauliflower.

 

These clouds produce strong winds, rains, thunder, and lightning.

 

“Hindi tayo safe sa buong taon eh, dahil nasa tropics tayo. Tsaka napapaligiran tayo ng tubig so ‘yung weather natin napakabilis na magpalit. Nakakapag-produce sila agad ng cumulonimbus clouds in three hours,” Jori Loiz, PAGASA weather forecaster, said in the report.

 

According to the Balitanghali report, lightning will often strike the tallest objects first, which is why it is important to stay away from trees or tall structures.

 

However, when you find yourself in an open field in the middle of a lightning storm, it is not advisable to lie down flat. It is better to assume a crouched position and cover your ears.

 

The report also noted that you should not hug your knees or touch the ground, because doing so will make you a better conductor for electricity, and therefore an easier target.

 

When indoors, one should stay away from windows, electric cables, and water pipes.

 

Dr. Emmanuel Bueno, ER Chief of the East Avenue Medical Center, said that lightning does not only cause burns but also affects the heart.

 

“’Yung sunog niya kasi is just like any malakas na kuryente. Talagang masusunog ‘yung katawan. ‘Pag direct hit siya, maapektuhan ‘yung puso, kasi ‘yung puso natin may current din ‘yan eh. Matatalo ‘yun at titigil siya, bukod dun sa sunog sa katawan,” Bueno said.

 

Lightning can heat up the air around it to up to 30,000 degrees Celsius. The electricity it generates can power a 100-watt bulb for three months. –Amanda Lago/KG, GMA News