Some basic rules for lightning protection
20 August 2024
These are some basic rules for lightning protection recommended by the Hydrometeorological Institute of Kosovo.
- If you are outside in nature during a storm, do not stay near a tree, a telephone pole, or a flag pole. The safe distance from tall objects is twice the height of the object.
- When lightning threatens, go inside a house, a large building, or a fully metal vehicle.
- If the storm approaches when you are outside in a forested area, take shelter under small trees and stay away from tall trees.
- If the storm approaches when you are outside, do not become its target. It can be fatal. Do not stay on top of a hill, in an open field, or along a beach.
- If a storm approaches while you are swimming or near water, get out of the water immediately and move away from the beach, because water is a good conductor of electricity.
- During a thunderstorm, put away your umbrella, stay away from wire fences, clothesline equipment, metal pipes, metal rails, and other metal objects.
- During a thunderstorm, stay away from electrical appliances, heating ducts, and radiators. Unplug major electrical devices.
- Lightning is deadly. During a thunderstorm, do not use electrical appliances such as irons, mixers, and hairdryers.
- Lightning can be deadly, but a person seemingly killed by lightning can often be revived with first aid methods such as breathing assistance, heart massage, or artificial respiration. If several people are struck by lightning, first treat those who appear dead. Those showing signs of life will probably recover on their own.
- Find a sturdy building or get inside a car or truck. Close the windows.
- Avoid tall, isolated trees.
- Do not lie down in the open, bend your head between your knees.
- If you are swimming or boating, get to dry land and quickly find shelter.
- Stay indoors, wait at least 30 minutes after the thunder ends before going outside. Don’t be fooled by sunny skies – lightning can strike around 15 km away from the rain.
- Do not shower, because water is a good conductor of electricity.
- Water pipes conduct electricity - avoid them during a storm. Rules emphasize not to take a bath or shower, not to wash dishes, or stay near a washing machine or dishwasher when you hear thunder.
- Avoid appliances - Do not use electrical devices during a storm. Mobile phones, laptops, and unplugged devices are fine to use. Do not use a landline phone.
- If lightning strikes someone - immediately call emergency services and provide first aid.