When the sky darkens, with lightning or strong winds, that is a sign of an impending thunderstorm; stop all activities. If you are outside, avoid high ground, open hills, flowing water or small puddles, solitary tall trees, and electrical conductors such as metal fences.
Safety Tips for Thunderstorms
Every year, many people die or get injured due to thunderstorms. The reason is that thunderstorms often occur suddenly and progress rapidly; although some cases come with warnings, few people pay attention. According to Mr. Lê Thanh Hải, Deputy General Director of the National Center for Meteorological and Hydrological Forecasting, all thunderstorms arrive very quickly, so scientists worldwide can only provide forecasts 30 minutes to 2 hours in advance.
Many people were affected by a severe thunderstorm in Hanoi. (Photo: Reporter Group).
So how should one prepare for a thunderstorm warned about in the short time frame of 30 minutes to 2 hours? Safety experts from Denvergov offer the following advice:
- As soon as you receive a storm warning, parents should quickly inform children about safety skills during thunderstorms.
- Select a safe place in the house to shelter, away from windows, skylights, glass doors, or areas prone to strong winds or hail.
- Trim branches that may break and reinforce tall trees.
- Prepare essential supplies and food: Water (try to ensure each person has 2 liters per day), canned food, instant noodles, flashlights, first-aid kits, personal hygiene items, multi-tools, phones, necessary personal documents, money, and emergency contact information.
How to Stay Safe When a Thunderstorm Approaches
Outdoors
If you are outside, pay attention to signs such as a darkening sky, lightning, or strong winds. When this happens, stop all activities immediately and seek shelter in a sturdy building or a solid vehicle like a car, and close all doors. If you hear thunder, you are definitely very close to a lightning strike area. Meteorologists recommend staying sheltered for at least 30 minutes after hearing thunder.
Absolutely do not use a phone while standing outside in the rain (even indoors) unless necessary. Your phone could be a major cause of lightning strikes.
Thunderstorms can be accompanied by very dangerous lightning.
If you are outside and cannot find shelter indoors, avoid high ground, open hills, flowing water, or small puddles as they can quickly become large bodies of water that could submerge you during heavy rain. Also, stay away from solitary tall trees and electrical conductors such as metal fences, vehicles, or personal equipment that could conduct electricity. Do not take shelter in a shed or tent, as these are not safe places.
Do not use an umbrella, as it can conduct electricity.
If you are standing with a group of people, stand at least 4.5 to 5 meters apart from one another. Crouch down to minimize contact with the ground; you can stand on an insulating object and keep your hands close to your ears to reduce injury in the event of a lightning strike.
Stay away from tall trees during a thunderstorm.
In a Car
If you are driving, please stay inside the car and turn on your hazard lights. Avoid touching metal or surfaces that can conduct electricity inside and outside the vehicle. Do not drive into flooded areas, rivers, or drains, as a water level of about 30 cm can cause the car to float; even a half-meter flow can sweep a vehicle away.
It is advisable to slightly open a window in case you fall asleep in the car and need air. The vehicle should be parked in a clear area, away from power poles, tall trees, or walls, as high winds can knock these objects into the car.
Stop your car and pull over if the rain is too heavy: When visibility is poor, it is best to stop and wait for the rain to lessen. Be sure to turn on your emergency lights to avoid accidents.
Indoors
The first general precaution is to install lightning protection devices such as lightning rods, grounding wires, or nets to minimize accidents such as equipment damage, house fires, or even fatalities.
When signs of thunderstorms with lightning appear, check all electrical devices in the house and immediately unplug any unused power sources. Computers, charging phones, TVs, kettles, etc., are all devices that can be easily damaged if struck by lightning, potentially causing fires.
Power sources for outdoor devices like signs and advertisements should also be turned off during thunderstorms.
When thunderstorms occur suddenly and unpredictably, one needs to be proactive and keep monitoring to respond promptly. Therefore, before leaving the house, ensure all electrical devices are turned off for safety.
Moreover, the current rainy season can easily lead to flooding. In such cases, electrical devices could be damaged or cause fires. Therefore, at the start of the rainy season, users should install electrical devices higher than the typical flood level.
Devices such as microwaves and electric stoves should be placed high and kept dry. If faced with damp conditions, these items can become moldy and malfunction.
If electrical devices in the home get wet, users should immediately turn off the power and dry them or take them to reputable centers for repair. Do not use wet hands to operate electrical devices to avoid accidents.
Specifically, for some electronic and household devices, pay attention to the following precautions:
- For antennas and telephone lines: To minimize damage, quickly cut off the power supply when a thunderstorm begins. Additionally, consider equipping surge protection boxes for telephone lines.
- For household appliances like TVs, washing machines, refrigerators, and air conditioners: Unplug all power sources for household devices, and ensure all equipment is grounded to prevent discharge due to lightning-induced electromagnetic induction.
- For computers and modems: Unplug power cables and internet signal cables from the modem, or consider purchasing surge protectors for each connection to a personal computer.
Call for rescue if there are injured persons in your area or if emergency assistance is needed.
Dos and Don’ts During Heavy Rain, Thunder, and Lightning
Wear a Bright-Colored Raincoat and a Helmet
If possible, wear a bright-colored raincoat (pink, red, fluorescent green, etc.), as thunderstorms can make it very dark; if you wear a dark raincoat, no one will see you, which is dangerous when on the road. A raincoat will keep you dry and prevent you from catching a cold afterwards.
If the storm is too fierce, it is best to protect yourself by wearing a helmet, whether you are riding a bike or walking.
Do Not Take Shelter in a Telephone Booth
When lightning strikes the power lines, electricity travels very quickly, reaching the telephone booth and causing harm to anyone taking shelter inside. Especially do not use a phone inside the booth.
Stay Away from Metal Objects
We can be electrocuted when coming into contact with a conductor if struck by lightning. So be sure to store your phone safely and avoid using it in the rain.
Be Cautious When Parking
Vehicles should be parked in open areas, away from power poles, tall trees, or walls, as high winds can knock these objects into the car, which is very dangerous and could be fatal.
Safe Motorcycle Riding During Rain and Storms
Control your speed and braking system properly to avoid slipping when riding a motorcycle in rainy and stormy conditions.
The first thing to remember is to protect your body with safety gear: helmets, shoes, clothing, and gloves. In the daily hustle of city life, clothing and gloves may not seem necessary, but they are extremely vital for long trips across various terrains and weather conditions.
The most common accidents during rainy weather are slipping due to loss of control and brake systems locking up. When it rains, avoid driving at high speeds, as sudden braking when encountering obstacles can lead to tires losing grip, and wet brakes may lock up, causing loss of steering and resulting in accidents.
Additionally, when it first starts to rain, do not rush to speed up to avoid getting wet. At this point, dirt and dust on the road mixed with rainwater create a layer that hinders tire contact with the road, making it very easy to slip and fall.
Besides maintaining a slow speed, it is essential to keep a safe distance from vehicles in front and behind. On wet roads, if vehicles are too close to each other, it becomes challenging to respond if one vehicle encounters a problem, increasing the risk of chain collisions. Therefore, regularly observe the road ahead as well as your rearview mirrors to establish a safe distance from fellow travelers.
Avoid stopping under large trees, at the top of hills, or in open spaces, as these areas are more susceptible to lightning strikes. Turning on your vehicle’s headlights during heavy rain is advisable, as it helps other vehicles easily recognize your presence on the road.
