How to not be struck by thunderstorms?

Scientists recommend that, because lightning is random and unexpected, there is no absolute safety position, but people can still actively prevent lightning by simple, economical and effective measures. .

Image for illustrative purposes.

Dr. Nguyen Xuan Anh - Deputy Director of Institute of Geophysics (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) - Chairman of state-level independent science and technology project " Research on lightning and propose preventive solutions in Vietnam ", affirmed: " There are 3 thunderstorms in the world: Asia, Africa and America. In particular, Vietnam is located in the center of Asia.

Every year, Vietnam has about 2 million times of lightning strikes on the ground. The thunderstorm season in Vietnam is very long (from April to October, in which peak is July), while most rural families are not equipped with lightning protection systems . "Thunderstorm distribution In Vietnam, there are uneven areas, the areas where many thunderstorms occur are Co Dung (Hai Duong), Son Loc (Ha Tinh), Yen Thanh (Nghe An), Mekong Delta .

Scientifically, it is difficult to predict exactly when lightning strikes will take place. During each thunderstorm usually lasts 4 hours, there may be 10,000 discharges, including 1-2,000 discharges to the ground.

Climate change causes global warming to increase the frequency and intensity of lightning. Vietnam is one of the countries heavily affected by climate change, so the risk of lightning will also be higher. Even air flights are threatened with safety during stormy weather.

According to calculations by the Institute of Geophysics, on average, every 3,000 hours of flight is struck by lightning. However, because the aircraft has a strict standard system design, the lightning will only run on the surface cover, not dangerous for passengers.

According to the Institute of Geophysical Institute, there are 5 lightning protection rules for people

1. Listen to the weather forecast to plan work and take precautions

When working in certain areas, pay attention to places where you can stay in the rain and avoid lightning safely. Time must be calculated from the workplace to a safe place. Usually the thunderstorm pulls very quickly within 15 minutes and moves at a speed of 40km / hour. Therefore, when you are in an unsafe place, you need to pay attention to the signs of thunderstorms, cold air, wind, because soon after, thunderstorms will come very quickly.

2. Implement the vision - hearing rule

When lightning happens, at first we see lightning flash and then there is thunder accompanied. If you calculate the amount of time from when the lightning flashes and when you hear the thunder, you can determine the distance to where the lightning occurred. Dividing the estimated time interval by 3 will calculate the distance to the lightning. For example, if counting for 3 seconds, the lightning is 3/3 = 1km from the standing position. If the count time is less than 30 seconds, you are already in the sights of lightning and be careful. If this time is less than 20 seconds, you must move to a safer place. When you hear the first thunder no matter what you need to see the danger has come. Lightning can hit far away from the place with rain to 15-20km.

3. Avoid indoor lightning

When thunderstorms are about to happen, the best way to avoid lightning is to go home. Safe place to avoid lightning is a building, or the office has lightning protection system installed. When staying indoors, stay away from windows, doors, electrical appliances, avoid damp areas such as bathrooms, water tanks, faucets, do not use the phone unless absolutely necessary. It is recommended to unplug electrical equipment before thunderstorms. With telephone lines or wires, because it is connected to an external net, it is very likely that it will be affected by lightning. Therefore, avoid electrical wires and electrical objects with a distance of at least 1m. Radios connected to antenna wires for outdoor use also need to be removed when there are thunderstorms.

4. Avoid outdoor lightning

In case of inadequate running to find safe refugees, absolutely do not use trees to shelter rain, avoid higher areas around, avoid metal objects such as bicycles, machines, iron fences. .

Find a dry place, if there are taller trees around, you should find a low tree location. The lower the person in the position, the better, the hand holding the neck so that the contact part of the person with the ground is at least. The person standing in the position stood on tiptoe, not lying on the ground.

Stand away from tall objects, exit immediately from water storage areas such as beaches, ponds, lakes and ditches. High mountain or ridge areas are also dangerous. If in the forest, look for lower and sparse places to avoid.

Do not stand in groups of people close together. If you feel that the hair is being erected (like an electric sensation when touching the hand in front of the television), that means it can be struck at any time. At that time, immediately sit down and cover your ears, do not lie down on the ground or put your hands on the ground. For objects with metal surfaces such as buses, trains, cars . do not lean out and do not touch the cover. After hearing the thunderbolt 30 minutes, you can return to work normally.

5. Emergency treatment of people struck by lightning

In addition to burning, burns, lightning also cause damage to the nervous system, fractures, hearing loss, vision, or memory. People with lightning strikes need immediate relief. If the person suffers from fainting lightning (cardiac arrest, breathing), respiratory movements and artificial heart support must be urgently performed. Be especially careful not to move victims if you suspect a spinal fracture, find the fastest way for medical staff to arrive.