Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a warning of continued heavy rainfall in the state today. A yellow alert has been declared in seven districts: Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Idukki, Thrissur, Palakkad, and Malappuram. There is a possibility of isolated thunderstorms with lightning, the IMD warned.
Safety Guidelines:
Lightning is dangerous and can cause harm to humans, animals, electrical communication networks, and household appliances connected to electrical conductors. Therefore, the public is advised to take the following precautions from the time clouds start to appear, as lightning may strike without being visible.
– Move to a safe building immediately after noticing the first signs of lightning. Staying in open areas increases the risk of being struck.
– During strong winds and lightning, close all windows and doors, and avoid standing near them. Stay inside the building without touching walls or the floor as much as possible.
– Disconnect electrical appliances and avoid proximity to electrical devices during lightning.
– Refrain from using telephones during lightning. It is safe to use mobile phones.
– Avoid playing in open areas or on terraces during cloudy conditions, especially for children
– Do not stand under trees during lightning, and avoid parking vehicles under trees.
– Stay inside vehicles during lightning. Do not extend your arms or legs outside. You are safe inside the vehicle. Avoid traveling by bicycles, motorbikes, or tractors during lightning and seek shelter in a safe building until the storm passes.
– Avoid going to terraces or yards to collect clothes during lightning.
– Secure objects that may blow over in the wind.
– Avoid bathing or collecting water from taps during lightning, as electricity may travel through pipes.
– Avoid fishing or swimming in water bodies during lightning. As soon as you see clouds forming, stop fishing, boating, and other activities and immediately head to the nearest shore. Do not stand on the deck of a boat during lightning. Stop using fishing rods and nets during a storm.
– Do not fly kites during lightning.
– It is dangerous to sit on terraces, high places, or tree branches during a lightning storm.
– Do not tether pets in open spaces during this time. Avoid moving or untying them during a lightning storm, as this could increase your risk of being struck by lightning.
– If you are in an open space with no shelter nearby, sit down with your feet together, curling up like a ball with your head between your knees.
– Install lightning conductors on buildings to prevent lightning strikes. Surge protectors can be used to safeguard electrical appliances.
– Lightning strikes can cause burns, loss of vision or hearing, and even cardiac arrest. Remember, a person struck by lightning does not carry electrical current. Therefore, do not hesitate to givefirst aid. The first 30 seconds after a lightning strike are crucial. Seek medical assistance immediately if someone is struck.
