Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala Police while creating awareness about thunderstorms and the safety measures that need to be adapted to stay safe said thunderstorms ahead of summer rains are dangerous. It causes great damage to human life and household appliances connected to electrical conductors. Extreme levels of thunderstorms, summer rains, and strong winds are expected to cause trees to fall, power lines and posts to collapse. The safety precautions that need to be taken are as follows:
- Move into a safe building as soon as you notice the first sign of lightning.
- Do not go to the terrace or yard to pick up clothes during thunderstorms.
- Do not enter water bodies for any reason.
- Disconnect household appliances.
- Close windows and doors.
- Do not touch metal objects. And avoid proximity to electrical equipment.
- Try to avoid using the telephone.
- Avoid bathing during thunderstorms.
- Avoid direct contact with the walls or floor of the house as much as possible.
- It is dangerous to sit on a terrace or other high place or on a tree branch during thunderstorms.
- Do not stand under trees outside the house.
- If inside the vehicle, park in the open and do not touch metal parts.
- Do not enter the water during thunderstorms.
- Do not pick up wet clothes lying outside during thunderstorms.
- Lightning conductors can be installed on top of buildings to protect them from lightning.
- A surge protector can be fitted for the safety of electrical equipment.
- Do not tie pets in the open at this time. Do not go out in the open to replace lightning bolts.
- Occupants must stay inside the vehicle unless safe places are available.
- In the open, place the feet together and the head between the knees in a rounded position.
- Do not lie on the floor.
- Follow safety instructions if the sky is cloudy even when lightning is not visible.
- For power-related complaints call 1912 or 0471 2555544. Complaints can also be made through WhatsApp number 9496001912.
Lightning strikes can cause burns, loss of vision or hearing, or heart attack. It should be noted that there is no electric current in the body of the person who has been struck by lightning. So do not hesitate to give first aid to the person who is struck by lightning. The first thirty seconds of a lightning strike are life-saving golden moments.
