Staying Safe When There’s Lightning Around
By Graham McClung Lightning is great to watch, and makes a superb subjectfor videos or photographs - from a distance. But it’spretty scary when it strikes nearby, and every year thereare news reports of lightning fatalities. So what are your chances of being struck by lightning? Fortunately they are pretty slim. But that’s probably whatthe hundred or so people killed by lightning in an averageyear thought. So while you or I are most unlikely to be struck, the consequences are so severe that it’s worthwhile takingevery precaution to make sure that we don’t end up alightning statistic. A Few Lightning Facts Although lightning is known from volcanic eruptions and in smoke from very large fires, it is always present in thunderstorms, and thunderstorms can occur anywhere and at any time of year. In the US they are most common in Florida and nearby states, and overall are most frequent from April to July. Lightning fatalities are most common in July, probably because more people are out of doors at that time of year. Lightning is a very high voltage electrical discharge,with its source in a thunder cloud. Most lightning movesbetween clouds, or from cloud to air. The cloud to groundstrikes are rarer, but are the ones to worry about. Apart from floods, lightning causes more deaths thanany other severe weather event, including tornadoes andhurricanes. Figures are not precise, but around 100 deaths occur in an average year, while injuries are atleast ten times that number. Lightning injuries are most common before and after the storm has passed over - before and after the rain, winds and hail have caused people to take shelter. Another reason is that lightning bolts can travel distances of over 10 miles (16km) from the cloud before hitting the ground.These “bolts from the blue” may arrive before any thunder from the storm can be heard, and even before the storm clouds have been noticed. Deaths and injuries occur most commonly to outdoorworkers, hikers, campers, and people involved in outdoor sport or picnics, including sporting teams. Quiteoften, the victims have delayed finding shelter until the last minute. More information on lightning can be found at my website, http://www.home-weather-stations-guide.com/lightning.html Deaths and Injuries A lightning strike is a very short lived, high voltage electrical current, but has different effects to a home or industrial electric shock. Most lightning fatalities are instantaneous through failureof the heart or breathing, or severe nervous damage. Lightning deaths and injuries can occur in two ways - by adirect strike, or indirectly from being within about 50 yards of the strike. A short-lived electric current can travel through damp soil, wet grass, water, and along fence wires, plumbing or underground cables. This explains deaths or injuries to people who are indoors but in contact with telephones, electrical appliances or plumbing fixtures. Unfortunately the effects of a non fatal lightning injuryare often severe and long lasting - often life changing.They can include impaired mental ability and chronic pain. But survival is better than the alternative, and immediate first aid after a lightning strike is critical. The first thing to remember is that the injured person isnot “live” - you won’t get a shock when you touch them. Secondly, CPR - cardio pulmonary resuscitation - shouldalways be attempted if the victim has no pulse or is not breathing. A lightning strike can stop either or both ofthe heart or breathing. Thirdly, medical attention is necessary, even if the person seems to have recovered. Reducing The Risk of a Lightning Strike Many, if not most, lightning casualties are avoidable.The small but real risks can be minimised by making a few small sacrifices to your present enjoyment. Thepeace of mind you gain will make it worthwhile. Firstly, move to the safest possible shelter as soon asyou are aware of an approaching storm. Careful observationof the weather is a good guide, and lightning detectorsare definitely worth considering, particularly if you areresponsible for others such as a children’s sports teamor an outdoor work crew. In most cases, once you can hear thunder you are within thedanger zone, and it’s time to move quickly. Now I know that almost every time an early move to shelterwill turn out to be unnecessary, and you may not alwaysget a warm reception for your course of action. But imagine the alternative if half a dozen kids are injured or worse after a lightning strike during a soccer or baseball game. The best shelter is a fully enclosed building, bearing in mind the easily avoidable risks associated with telephones,electric appliances and plumbing. Next best is an all metal car with the windows closed -preferably not parked at the top of a hill or under a talltree. Probably the third choice would be in a group of small trees- assuming there are taller ones around. Tall trees arehigh risk, as are isolated structures such as water tanks.Partly open sheds are of dubious value and offer theiroccupants little protection if struck. Open spaces are dangerous places to be, and you shouldhave plenty of time to move elsewhere. Being the highestpoint in a large area is not a good survival strategy. If however you have no alternative, look for a lower areathat is not water logged, squat down on the balls of yourfeet, with your head down. Don’t lie on the ground, and stay away from wire fences. And once you are safe, just sit back and enjoy the show. Copyright 2005, Graham McClung A retired geologist, Graham McClung has had a lifelong interest in the outdoors. Andwhere there’s outdoors there’s weather. He is the editor of http://Home-Weather-Stations-Guide.com, where you can find reviews and advice to help you choose and use your own home weather station. You can contact him by email at information@home-weather-stations-guide.com Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Graham_McClung http://EzineArticles.com/?Staying-Safe-When-Theres-Lightning-Around&id=25589 buy all diflucan their by this federal some express same order as diflucan these online this dream very pharmaceutical have price we of after fluconazole here purchase through diflucan has online or prescription very cheap them
