How to escape from a lightning strike

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Being struck by lightning is not a common occurrence. The share of risk is approximately 1: 10,000,000. But it still happens, so it's better to be ready for this and know how to protect yourself.

How lightning chooses where to strike

If explained without abstruse physical terms, then lightning always strikes the tallest object. Because lightning is an electrical discharge, and it follows the path of less resistance. That is why it will hit the tallest tree in the field and the tallest building in the city in the first place. For example, lightning strikes the Ostankino TV tower about 50 times a year!

The length of lightning can be up to 20 km, and its diameter is from 10 to 45 cm. Lightning “lives” in tenths of a second, and its average speed is 150 km / s. In this case, the current strength in the lightning reaches 200,000 A.

What to do if lightning catches you in an open area

• Don't hide under tall trees, especially single ones. The most dangerous in this case are deciduous trees, such as oak and poplar. But lightning hits conifers much less often, because they contain essential oils that have electrical resistance (by the way, linden, walnut and beech are also in the safety zone, they also contain oils). At the same time, getting into bushes or low thickets is extremely unlikely.
• In an open area, it is best to hide in a hole or trench. In this case, in no case lie on the ground: it is better to sit down, slightly bending your head so that it is not higher than the surrounding objects. Keep your feet together to reduce the area of possible injury.
• Don't run. The airflow you create while running can attract fireball.
• Fold down the umbrella and unplug your mobile, as well as get rid of other metal objects: fold them at a safe distance (at least 15 m).
• If there are two or three of you, everyone should find their own shelter, since our body is an excellent conductor for discharge.
• Do not swim in bodies of water during a thunderstorm. If the weather catches you by surprise, do not run out of the water and do not wave your arms. Calmly and slowly leave the reservoir.
• If you are in the mountains, avoid sharp ledges and hills.

How to know when lightning is about to strike

If you are in an open area and suddenly feel that your hair is standing on end, and your skin tingles slightly, or you feel vibration emanating from objects, this means that now it is banging.

Such sensations appear 3-4 seconds before a lightning strike. Immediately bend forward, putting your hands on your knees (never on the ground!), And put your heels together so that the shock does not pass through the body.

What to do if you are indoors during a thunderstorm

• Close vents, windows and doors.
• Unplug electrical appliances from electrical outlets.
• Move away from windows and metal objects.
• If you need to make an urgent call, do it right after a lightning discharge - and quickly.

What happens if lightning strikes a person

When lightning strikes a person, the discharge causes general disturbances. Burns or woody red streaks may form where the lightning enters and exits. If the lesion was weak, there is tinnitus, general weakness.

But with a severe injury, a person may faint, his body temperature drops sharply, his heart rate slows down, and his breathing may stop. But the victim can still be saved.

Is it possible to survive after being struck by lightning

Yes. First, despite the high temperature during the discharge, the exposure does not last long and does not always lead to even serious burns.

Secondly, the main current often passes along the surface of the body, therefore, in most cases, a lightning strike is not fatal. According to various estimates, death occurs in 5-10% of cases.

The likelihood of survival increases if there is a person nearby who knows how to do artificial respiration and heart massage. Even if the person seems to be dead, be sure to try to give him first aid. Because there is always a chance for survival!

How to provide first aid when struck by lightning

1. The victim must be placed on a hard surface.
2. If the person is lucky and just has shock (loss of speech, fainting), try to get him out of this state. If you accidentally have ammonia with you, use it. Call an ambulance.
3. If the person is unconscious and not breathing, mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compressions should be done as soon as possible.
4. Try non-stop resuscitation. You have a maximum of 15 minutes, after which the chances of salvation in a severe defeat are extremely small.