When it comes to protecting yourself against getting hit by a lightning, it is much better to be safe than sorry.
Rule of thumb – if you see dark clouds approaching and if you hear the thunder, immediately take cover within a safe place because it means you are within the lightning-striking distance of 10 miles.
So what is the safe thing to do if you are caught in a lightning storm?
Do NOT hide under or stand next to a lonely tree on an open field.
Do NOT stand next to radio or TV towers, power-line towers, silos, or any other tall metal structures out there in the open.
Do not carry any metal pointed objects like golf clubs, umbrellas, canes, fishing rods, etc.
Do not take refuge in small shacks and shelters build out in the open for the purposes of protection from rain, snow or the sun.
Do NOT get near any body of water.
Do NOT use any electrical gadgets including land-line or cellular telephones, radios, computers, hair dryers, etc.
Do NOT watch TV or stand next to a TV set.
If all fails, and you are out there in the open, seek shelter in any vehicle with rubber tires (cars, trucks, SUVs), WITHOUT, however, touching any metal surfaces.
If you have nowhere safe to hide, do not continue to stand up. Lower your profile. Crouch on the ground and roll yourself into a ball and patiently wait and pray for the storm to blow over.
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Ugur Akinci, Ph.D. is a Creative Copywriter, Editor, an experienced and award-winning Technical Communicator specializing in fundraising packages, direct sales copy, web content, press releases, movie reviews and hi-tech documentation. He has worked as a Technical Writer for Fortune 100 companies for the last 7 years. In addition to being an Ezine Articles Expert Author, he is also a Senior Member of the Society for Technical Communication (STC), and a Member of American Writers and Artists Institute (AWAI). You can reach him at writer111@gmail.com for a FREE consultation on all your copywriting needs. You are most welcomed to visit his official web site http://www.writer111.com for more information on his multidisciplinary background, writing career, and client testimonials. While at it, you might also want to check the latest book he has edited:http://www.lulu.com/content/263630 |