Whenever a thunderstorm is brewing over your head, certain safety measures recommended by Environment Canada should be performed to further raise the odds against becoming a lightning victim:
If you're in a house or building, you should:
- Close windows and doors and keep away from doors, windows and fireplaces.
- Don't go outside unless it is absolutely necessary.
- Don't not take a bath since both water and metal are electrical conductors.
If you're outdoors, you should:
- Get inside a vehicle or a building, if possible.
- Avoid water and objects that conduct electricity like, for instance, a tractor, golf club or metal fence.
- Do not stay in an open space or under tall objects like trees or poles.
- If no shelter is available, crouch down, keep your feet close together with you head tucked down. If you're in a group, everyone should spread out and stay several yards apart from one another.
Note: Although lightning victims have no pulse they can be revived with CPR.
If you're in a vehicle, you should:
- Stay in the vehicle with windows closed. Be wary of downed power lines that may be touching your car. You are safe in the car but may receive a shock if you step outside.
- Avoid touching metal parts of the vehicle.
- Do not drive. Wait until the storm passes, but do not park under trees or other tall objects that may fall over during the storm.
|
