Odisha's Lightning Season: Know Your Dos and Don'ts

Odisha's Lightning Season: Know Your Dos and Don'ts

Come the monsoon season, reports of lightning deaths line up the newspapers every day. The number of lightning deaths is much higher in Odisha than in other states. Around 300 persons die due to lightning strike incidents every year in the state. There are many reasons for such deaths, such as the lack of adequate earthing systems in buildings, including schools and residential homes. Here, know the do's and don'ts during lightning.

If Outdoor – Dos and Don’ts 

1. Check the weather forecast before going out. Postpone your outdoor activities if the forecast warns of thunderstorms or lightning.

2. When there is thunderstorm or lightning, it is better to remain indoors, to a safe shelter immediately to avoid metal structures and constructions with metal sheeting. Safe shelters include pucca houses, pucca buildings.

3. Don't take shelter under trees and particularly under isolated trees, as these conduct electricity.

4. If you are travelling by a car, it is advised to roll up the windows.

5. As per Lightning Safety Rule, one has to stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.

6. If you on hills, mountain ridges or peaks, never stay there for shelter during rain and immediately get off from elevated areas.

7. Stay away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water. If working in an outdoor watery area (paddy transplantation), immediately move out of the field to a dry area.

8. Do not lie flat on the ground, as this will make a bigger target.
9. If no shelter in available, sit in lightning crouches (sit in a tight ball, arms wrapped around your legs). This makes you as small a target as possible.

10. If you are in group during a thunderstorm, separate from each other. This will reduce the number of injuries if lightning strikes the ground.

If at Home or Indoor - Dos and Don’ts

1. Close windows and doors, close window blinds, shades or curtains. Secure objects outside your home. Remove timber or any other debris that may cause a flying accident.

2. Ensure children and pets are inside.

3. Keep away from utility lines and objects that conduct electricity and do not forget to unplug all electronic equipment.

4. Avoid taking a bath or shower, washing dishes, or have any other contact with water and stay away from running water. Lightning can travel through a building’s plumbing and metal pipes.

5. Do not use corded mobile phones or electronic appliances in concrete walls or flooring.

6. Avoid open structures, backyards, golf, porches and swimming pools.

7. Do not lie on concrete floors.

8. Do not lean against concrete walls.