Understand what lightning is and how it forms
What is lightning?
Lightning is a flash of intense light that travels through the atmosphere, caused by a large electrical discharge. This discharge is the result of a build-up of static electricity in storm clouds.
Lightning is made up of two main elements: the discharge itself, also known as a lightning strike, and the sound that accompanies it, called thunder.
How is lightning formed?
Lightning formation is a complex process that involves several stages and largely depends on atmospheric conditions. However, in general terms, lightning forms when static electricity builds up in a thunderstorm cloud.
The formation of lightning can be described in five main stages:
1. Static electricity buildup
In storm clouds, ice particles and water droplets rub against each other, creating static electricity. This electricity is distributed throughout the cloud, the positive charge accumulates at the top of the cloud and the negative charge at the bottom.
2. Leader Spread
When the negative charge at the bottom of the cloud is strong enough, it discharges producing a channel of ionized air called a ‘leader’. This leader propagates towards the ground or towards other areas of positive charges.
3. Leaders meeting and main channel training
When a negative leader meets a positive leader, an electrically conductive channel is formed, which is the path that the electrical discharge will follow.
4. Main discharge or lightning strike
Through this channel, an intense discharge of electricity occurs, going from the ground to the cloud. This is called love at first sight.
5. Multiple love at first sight
After the first lightning strike, several more discharges may take place in the same channel, producing what are called creeping lightning or chain lightning strikes.
How to protect yourself from lightning?
Understanding how lightning forms is an important step in knowing how to protect yourself from it. Some tips to follow in the event of a storm:
Advice | Explanations |
Avoid open areas | Lightning strikes the highest points, so avoid being the highest point in an open area. |
Stay away from isolated trees | Trees attract lightning because of their height and water content. |
Indoors, avoid the use of electronic devices | Lightning can travel through electrical wires and cause damage to devices. |
Lightning detectors: a valuable tool
In addition to these tips, the use of lightning detectors can be an effective solution to increase your security. These devices can anticipate the arrival of a storm and allow you to take shelter in time. Among the recommended brands, we can cite Stormtracker Or Boltek, which offer equipment that is both efficient and easy to use.
Remember that although lightning is a fascinating phenomenon to observe, it is still very dangerous. So stay sheltered during a storm and follow the safety instructions.
Identify warning signs of severe storms
Understanding thunderstorms
A severe thunderstorm is an intense atmospheric event marked by precipitation, wind and phenomena such as lightning. Recognizing the signs of their arrival is not an exact science, but it definitely gives you a head start when it comes to safety.
Sky monitoring
One of the most obvious signs of an approaching storm is directly overhead. Here are the aspects to watch out for:
- Formation of storm clouds: These are dark, low and massive clouds, called cumulonimbus.
- Rapid change in weather conditions: If the weather changes quickly, for example if the sky suddenly becomes dark, this is a likely indicator that a storm is coming.
- Showing greenish color: This can indicate the arrival of a severe thunderstorm and is usually associated with hail.
Atmospheric changes
There are atmospheric signs that can announce the arrival of a violent storm:
- A rapid drop in temperature
- A sudden breeze
- Wind reversal: A sudden change in wind direction is often a warning sign of a storm.
Use of technology
One of the most reliable ways to identify the signs of a severe storm is through technology. There are a series of applications and websites, such as Meteo France Or The Weather Network, which provide real-time weather forecasts and alerts.
Animal behaviors
Some claim that animals can detect a storm long before we can. If you notice unusual animal behaviors, it could be a sign that a storm is approaching.
Precautions to take
When a severe storm is imminent, it is important to stay safe. Seek shelter, stay away from metal objects and bodies of water that lightning may target, and avoid being in open air. The use of a lightning rod can also be useful in protecting important buildings and structures from lightning.
Always remember, your safety comes first. Whether you’re at home, camping, or on the road, having a basic knowledge of the signs of a severe storm could save your life.
Behaviors to adopt to avoid lightning
Behaviors to adopt to avoid lightning
Every year, there are between 100 and 200 lightning strikes on people in France. Faced with this formidable natural phenomenon, it is essential to adapt our behavior to protect ourselves effectively. This article presents a practical lightning survival guide to maximize your chances of staying safe if a storm breaks out. Before going into detail about the behaviors to adopt, it should be remembered that lightning constitutes a very real threat, which affects both urban and rural areas.
During the storm: adopt good reflexes
A storm breaks out and you find yourself in the middle of nature? Here are the steps you can take to significantly reduce the risk of being struck by lightning:
- Avoid open spaces: in the great outdoors, seek shelter, such as a cave or a solid building. If this is not possible, curl up on the ground.
- Do not take shelter under a tree: it is a preferred conductor of electricity.
- Stay away from water sources: lakes, rivers, swimming pools, etc. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity.
Using the right equipment
Using equipment designed to withstand lightning is an excellent way to limit risks. Several brands, such as Surge protector Or Thompson Lightning Protection, offer personal protective equipment and solutions for building insulation. Here are their best recommendations:
- Use a lightning arrester: this device will channel the lightning current directly into the ground, without going through the electrical installations of the house.
- Galvanic isolation: this method consists of electrically separating two networks to prevent the propagation of an overvoltage.
Adopt safe behavior at home
Within your home, there are also a certain number of precautions to take in the event of a storm:
- Unplug your electrical appliances: lightning can enter your home through electrical cables.
- Avoid using wired devices: especially landlines.
- Close windows and doors: this prevents lightning from entering your home directly.
The lightning problem is serious, but adopting these simple and effective behaviors can make the difference. By not forgetting that the best way to stay safe is to inform yourself in advance and avoid finding yourself in a vulnerable situation in the face of the storm, you will greatly limit the risk of being affected by the storm. lightning.
What to do after being struck by lightning
Step 1: Quickly assess your condition
After a lightning strike, the main thing is to quickly make an assessment of your own condition and the people around you. Injuries caused by lightning can range from minor burns to serious heart problems, nerve damage or vision problems.
Assessing your condition after a lightning strike
Your condition can be quickly assessed using the following questions:
- Am I aware?
- Do I feel like I’m burning?
- Am I having difficulty breathing?
- Do I feel severe pain?
- Is my vision blurred or changed?
Step 2: Call for help immediately
If you are unable to answer these questions correctly or experience any concerning symptoms, you should seek help immediately. Call the local emergency number or ask a capable witness to do so for you.
Step 3: Help others and initiate a gesture of survival while waiting
If you are able to act, check on everyone around you. You should initiate basic survival actions if necessary, such as cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), while waiting for help.
Step 4: Consult a healthcare professional
Even if you feel fine after the impact, it is essential to consult a medical professional to assess the potential consequences of lightning on your body. Indeed, certain effects of lightning may only appear several hours or even days after the strike.
By following these steps, you will be able to better react to a lightning strike and minimize its consequences on your health. Always remember that prevention is better than cure: when a storm approaches, take shelter to avoid lightning.