What is Lightning and how Can it be prevented?

Lightning is a powerful electrical discharge that occurs in the atmosphere or between the atmosphere and the ground. It is caused by the interaction of charged clouds, especially during rainfall. This interaction leads to the meeting of different electrical charges, producing a large spark known as lightning, often accompanied by thunder.

Due to its high intensity, lightning can cause serious harm or even death to people, animals, or objects it strikes as it travels between the ground, the air, and the atmosphere. This is what is commonly referred to as being struck by lightning.

General safety measures

During rainy seasons, especially in periods of heavy rainfall:

People are advised to seek shelter indoors when there is lightning and thunder. Avoid taking shelter under trees, near communication towers, or electricity poles. It is also important to stop using mobile phones and other electrical devices, particularly in buildings that are not equipped with lightning protection systems for electrical and communication networks.

Avoid wearing metallic objects or holding any metal items. Refrain from outdoor activities involving water, such as washing clothes, fishing, swimming in lakes, or using swimming pools during thunderstorms. Stay away from communication towers, power lines, and metal fences.

Buildings should be equipped with lightning rods. Where electricity is available, protective systems should also be installed to safeguard electrical and communication equipment. Avoid standing near doors and windows, especially those made of metal.

If you are riding a bicycle or motorcycle, get off immediately and seek shelter indoors. If you are in a vehicle, ensure that all windows are closed. Keep a safe distance—at least three meters—from where lightning conductors connect to the ground.

Precautions in public places

Avoid gatherings in buildings that do not have lightning protection systems, as this puts people at risk. Outdoor sports and entertainment activities should be suspended during thunderstorms if the venues are not equipped with lightning protection, and people should seek shelter immediately.

Students should be discouraged from playing outside during rainstorms. Even while at school, they should avoid standing near windows and doors, especially metallic ones. Lightning protection systems should be installed in schools, places of worship, markets (even open-air ones), playgrounds, and other public venues.

What to do if someone is struck by Lightning

There is no danger in touching a person or object that has been struck by lightning. Therefore, if someone near you is struck:

Provide first aid based on your level of knowledge, immediately call for help from nearby authorities and health services, and quickly transport the injured or affected person to the nearest health facility.