Thursday, August 8, 2019

A Professional Guide On Lightning Protection

By Matthew Young


More people are struck and killed by lightning in US than those who dies in tornadoes every year. With a figure of around 2,000 deaths, lightning protection becomes a priority for all. The measures taken should relate to buildings as well as personal precaution whenever you experience thunder during a storm.

Live and work in a building that has plates and poles for protecting it during storms. A developer must ensure that the plates are installed during construction. Authorities in the industry provide standards that must be followed. They include use of arrestors that ground or earth the current when it strikes your house. This is the basic protection measure before any other, especially the ones taken during an active storm.

Actively monitor weather conditions at your place. There are areas that are prone to thunder. Others will experience storms from time to time. Awareness of these reports allow you to take adequate protection measures like avoiding travel or taking cover in safe areas. Avoid being caught in a storm because the chances of being struck will increase.

It is impossible to avoid rains entirely. If you live or work at a place that is prone to thunder, it will be impossible to relocate. In case you are in the middle of a storm, keep away from water. Current can travel even on water that is not flowing. Get down from high grounds because you increase the chances of being struck. Open spaces will also increase your chances of being struck. At an open space, you become the best current conductor and therefore the choice of lightning.

A vehicle that is completely enclosed will provide adequate protection in case there is a strike. As long as you are not in contact with the metallic body, the current cannot get to you. Ensure that the windows are completely closed. If you are caught outside, you should put your legs together and crouch down. The clapping of thunder will also damage your ears. You should therefore close the ears with your hands.

Indoors are not entirely safe when a storm strikes. Current can pass through different surfaces and still get you indoors. Take measures to protect yourself even when living inside the house. Drop the telephone and do not use your headset during a storm. These gadgets are connected using wires that can conduct current. Unplug all electronics like televisions and gadgets like computers from the wall. The wires will conduct current that damages them or gets to you.

Suspend activities outdoors and on water when the storm begins. Remain within the safe area because the effects of a strike can be felt up 16 km away as current travels on water. Safety is best guaranteed when you keep of water for 30 minutes after the storm has passed.

Protection of buildings and permanent infrastructure is the most important before thinking of measures taken during a thunder storm. There are professionals who will help assess the level of safety for a house. They also assist with maintenance to ensure that you are always covered. Workers and people near the premises must be involved, and especially sensitized on the measures to take in case there is a strike.




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