Tips from rescuers: How to avoid becoming a victim of lightning during a thunderstorm in the mountains or at home?

In the summer, a heatwave in Ukraine is often followed by thunderstorms – a typical atmospheric phenomenon of the warm season. The most dangerous thing during a thunderstorm is lightning, the temperature of which can exceed 30,000 degrees Celsius – about 5 times more than the temperature on the surface of the sun. On average, lightning discharge travels at over 190,000 km / s, and its length is 3.4 km. According to statistics, every year, lightning kills up to 3,000 people in the world. In this regard, Transcarpathian rescuers once again remind citizens of the rules of safe behavior during a thunderstorm.

During a thunderstorm, if you are at home, close all windows and doors. There must not be any draughts that attracts fireball like a magnet. Stay away from electrical appliances, antennas, cables – all of them attract lightning.

If you are outdoors, avoid tall trees, metal fences, walls if there are trees near them.

If you were in the woods, do not hide from the storm on the hill. Find low trees standing closely. Hiding under a single tall tree is life threatening. In no case, run nor swim. Pay attention to the area, if there are traces of lightning hits on the trees, it means that the soil around is highly conductive and lightning hits there often. Oak, poplar, pine and spruce are most vulnerable to discharges of electricity; willow, maple and shrubs are least vulnerable.

If you are in the field, find a pit in the ground. It must be dry – wet ground is more conductive. If there is no dry hollow, hide in the wet ground, and curl up.

If the storm caught you while riding a bike or motorcycle, stop immediately – it’s dangerous. When you are in the car, you are not in danger. But be sure to remove all metal antennas that can attract lightning.

Remember: all electrical devices, particularly mobile phones, are a kind of receivers for fireballs. So, never use them during the storm, instead turn them off immediately.

Be careful! Take care of yourself, your family and friends!