Correct behavior during thunderstorms
"You should look for books, you ought to give way to oaks!" This is one of many myths about behavioral rules during thunderstorms. Myth, because the lightning does not care what kind of tree it hits? he just picks the highest one. Before explaining the proper measures to protect you from lightning, take a quick look at the phenomenon itself.
Heavenly fireworks with 20,000 amps
Until a few centuries ago, people held a thunderstorm for the "wrath of the gods". Lightning and thunder were feared as divine punishment for committed sins. Today we know: A storm arises when a warm front meets a cold front. The resulting electrical voltage discharges in the form of lightning, which in turn cause the subsequent thunder. This is of course a very simplified explanation. Scientists can not fully explain the weather phenomenon despite intense lightning research.
Despite all the scientific serenity of our time, a thunderstorm triggers a deep-rooted fear in many of us. Instinctively, we seek protection from the forces of nature. How well this succeeds depends largely on our location. The following explains the correct behavior during thunderstorms in different situations.
Behavior in buildings
If the building has a lightning protection system ("lightning rod"), you are safe inside. However, lightning protection systems are only required by law in most public buildings. Whether a private house is equipped with it, lies at the discretion of the client. For houses without lightning protection system, the following rules must be observed:
- In any case, avoid contact with all metal pipes leading from outside into the house. These are usually: electricity, water, gas and telephone lines, antenna cables and pipes for district heating.
- Do not take a shower or bath.
- Do not use corded landline phones.
If the building is a barn or wooden hut, mortal danger exists! In this case it is essential to leave the building and wait for the thunderstorm outdoors or (if possible) in the car.
Outdoor behavior
First, a rule of thumb that can be used to calculate how far away the thunderstorm is: Count the number of seconds between lightning and associated thunder and then divide by three. The result is the approximate distance to thunderstorms in kilometers. For example, 15 seconds between lightning and thunder, divided by three results in five kilometers distance. At three or less seconds, the thunderstorm is in the immediate vicinity. At least now, the following protection rules should be followed:
- By no means make the highest point in the terrain! A sink, bottom tray or the foot of a ledge can provide adequate protection.
- Do not visit the protected place as a closed group. The minimum distance to other persons should be at least one (better three) meters.
- The proximity to impact-prone objects is to be avoided in any case. These include, for example, trees or groups of trees, dykes, mountain peaks and wooden poles of electricity or telephone lines. To trees and their branches should at least ten meters distance be maintained.
- Squat in the sheltered place and keep your feet closed. Widely spaced feet increase the so-called "step tension" if the lightning strikes nearby.
Behavior in traffic
A car with all-metal body represents a so-called "Faraday cage". This protects the car occupants, even if the lightning strikes. Due to the physical properties of the Faraday cage, the lightning current can flow into the earth via the metal outer skin of the car. Despite this good protection, the car should be interrupted during a heavy thunderstorm for the following reasons:
- The tires and the car electronics may be damaged in the event of a lightning strike. Therefore, after a thunderstorm, the car should be inspected for any damage.
- Heavy rain, flashes of lightning and loud thunder can all be causes of driving errors.
- Traffic lights or other signal devices may be impaired by the thunderstorm in their function.
Motorcyclists and cyclists should definitely stop their journey and seek shelter in a building or car if possible. If this is not possible, they should squat at least three meters from their vehicle (preferably on asphalt) with their feet closed.
Lightning or lottery win?
In Germany, three to seven people are killed each year by lightning. That means an approximate probability of 1: 18,000,000 for each individual. Considering the fact that a lotto in the lottery (without super number) has a probability of 1: 15.537.573, a very calculable risk, right?
