#SAFEST PLACE IN LIGHTNING STORM SKIN#

Where is the safest place to be during a thunder and lightning storm? It’s important to be aware of the threats and follow our safety advice for before, during and after a storm.

While this makes the direct threat from thunder and lightning in the UK low, extreme weather creates many dangers that may pose a risk even after a storm has passed like damaged walls, bridges or roads, flooding, and fallen trees and power lines. Thunder cannot hurt anyone, but lightning can be dangerous with, on average two people a year being killed in the UK. If you do find yourself in a situation where you are outside during a thunderstorm then bear in mind the strategies above to further limit the likelihood of getting struck.Thunderstorms can be frightening, with the rumblings of thunder teamed with the flashes of lightning creating a scary atmosphere. In reality, the risk of getting struck by lightning is very remote and there are far more likely dangers such as hypothermia that you should be aware of. The possibility of thunderstorms should not prevent you from venturing into wild places. If you are in a remote area then it’s always wise to ensure that you have some way of calling for outside assistance should you need to. Trauma to the body can also occur in the form of fractures as well as explosive injuries to the feet.Īll of these injuries would require immediate medical attention.

#SAFEST PLACE IN LIGHTNING STORM SKIN#

Secondary burns can be caused by metallic objects worn next to the skin which is why it’s important to remove any jewellery. You may need to perform CPR to resuscitate a victim of a lightning strike.įortunately, there is no danger of any electrical charge remaining after the victim has been struck so CPR should be performed immediately if required.īurn injuries are common as a result of the high current passing through the body. The more immediate danger is the potential to stop the heart and severely damage the internal organs.

Also be aware of any trees lining the edge lakes or rivers as these may be the highest features around.

A river surrounded by higher terrain such as in a canyon will be safer than out in the middle of a lake. As with being on land, open areas are the most dangerous. If you are travelling on the water in a canoe for example then try to get to shore before the storm reaches you. Don’t worry if the ground is damp or marshy as there is no evidence to prove that this is any more dangerous than dry ground. As a rule of thumb, you should still try to keep away from the tallest examples.īeing in a forest is far safer than standing near a lone or small group of trees in more exposed terrain.Īvoid standing in water as it’s a good conductor of electricity. The large number of trees will decrease the odds of any individual tree getting struck. If travelling through a forest, avoiding trees is likely to be impossible. With trees, you should aim to get as far away as possible as there is a higher risk of being struck indirectly. Modern advice suggests that the safest distance from a high terrain feature such as a cliff is 50 metres. Some sources suggest that there is a 45-degree ‘ cone of protection’ surrounding high terrain features such as the top of a tree or cliff to the ground that will keep you relatively safe. Lightning can ‘jump’ wide distances so though you may not get hit directly, a side flash may bridge the gap between you and the original target. Stay away from any tall, lone features such as trees, cliffs or man-made objects as they will attract lightning strikes. Lightning always targets the tallest features in the landscape so reducing your height compared to whatever is around you should be a priority. Anything you can do to lower yourself compared to the rest of your surroundings will decrease your chances of getting struck. Wide open areas are equally at risk though you may be able to reduce this by looking for any small ravines or depressions to shelter in. Bear in mind that while you are outdoors there is no way to be safe from lightning, you can only reduce the odds of getting struck. For example, if you counted 10 seconds between the lightning and thunder then the storm is 2 miles away.Īnywhere within 10 to 15 miles of a thunderstorm is the danger zone in terms of being struck by lightning.

The simplest method for estimating your proximity to a thunderstorm is by dividing the number of seconds between the flash of light and the thunder clap by five. If you’re already in a serious storm then you might see lightning strike before hearing any thunder at all. Bear in mind that the turbulence of the air plays a part in your ability to hear it. Once thunder is audible you know that lightning must be between 1 to 10 miles away. As sound travels more slowly than light there is often a delay between the two. Thunder is another key indicator and is the sound made by the lightning discharging.

Safest place in lightning storm