Friday, May 24, 2019

Expert Lightning Protection Tips, Measures And Resources

By Matthew Young


About 2,000 people are struck by lightning every year around the world. It is a traumatizing experience that kills and destroys property. Buildings are supposed to have lightning protection features as part of their construction. However, there are dangers that are not related to buildings. Everyone must therefore be prepared to take cover.

Live and work in a building that has plates and poles for protecting it during storms. A developer must ensure that the plates are installed during construction. Authorities in the industry provide standards that must be followed. They include use of arrestors that ground or earth the current when it strikes your house. This is the basic protection measure before any other, especially the ones taken during an active storm.

Actively monitor weather conditions at your place. There are areas that are prone to thunder. Others will experience storms from time to time. Awareness of these reports allow you to take adequate protection measures like avoiding travel or taking cover in safe areas. Avoid being caught in a storm because the chances of being struck will increase.

Rains and thunder might catch you outdoors and unaware that there was going to be heavy rain. The best solution is to take cover. Avoid water because the current can travel even on the thinnest stream. Keep away from high ground because the current will consider you the best current conductor. Stay away from open spaces where there are no buildings or conductors. At an open space, you will be the best conductor for the current and therefore suffer the burns.

Get into a vehicle like a car, van or lorry that is completely enclosed. Current will get lost when it strikes the body, providing you the best protection. Keep the windows closed and do not touch the body or any metallic surface that is connected to the body. If the storm finds you outside at a place where you cannot take cover, keep your feet together and get to a crouching position. Close your ears to protect them from the clapping thunder.

Indoors are not entirely safe when a storm strikes. Current can pass through different surfaces and still get you indoors. Take measures to protect yourself even when living inside the house. Drop the telephone and do not use your headset during a storm. These gadgets are connected using wires that can conduct current. Unplug all electronics like televisions and gadgets like computers from the wall. The wires will conduct current that damages them or gets to you.

Suspend activities outdoors and on water when the storm begins. Remain within the safe area because the effects of a strike can be felt up 16 km away as current travels on water. Safety is best guaranteed when you keep of water for 30 minutes after the storm has passed.

While active protection is important, ensure that you maintain and check all infrastructure before the rains come. Inquire about the level of preparedness before moving into a house. Sensitize all people within the premise and remind them to take active precaution when the rains begin. Know the people to call in case you experience a strike.




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