Where are you safest from a lightning strike?

  • The probability of being struck by lightning increases depending on the environment and height.
  • The car is a safe haven due to the 'Faraday cage' effect.
  • Beaches and swimming pools are extremely dangerous during thunderstorms.
  • At home, close the windows to prevent lightning from entering through drafts.

Thunderstorm

It has always been said that you are more likely to be struck by lightning or eaten by a shark than to win the lottery. It is partly our "fault" whether or not those odds are higher. In other words, the probability that we win the lottery is greater the more we play. Similarly, the probability that lightning strikes us it is bigger depending on where we are in the middle of a storm.

That is why I am going to tell you about the safest and most dangerous places when lightning strikes. Some basic tips for do not "attract" rays and to be able to go unnoticed since in these situations we do not want to be the protagonist.

The main advice to avoid being a victim of lightning and being electrocuted is not stand out. That is, you should not stand out on other surfaces so that they do not notice us. Lightning strikes the places with the least resistance. If, for example, you are surprised by a storm in the middle of a field, do not stand or hide under a tree. If the field is flat, the trees are the highest surfaces, therefore it is more likely to fall into a tree. If you are the highest peak in the field, rest assured that the ballots to be struck by lightning are yours (it is better to throw ballots for the lottery, believe me).

Safe places from lightning strikes

One of the safest places to protect yourself from lightning is Car. It is rare that it is the safest place, but nevertheless, it is. With the previous example, if a storm surprises us in the middle of the field, the safest thing is to get in our car and close the windows. Thanks to the effect "Faraday cage", which causes electricity to spill over the exterior metal surfaces and does not affect the interior, we will be safe from electric shock.

Lightning strikes a car

This is what happens when lightning strikes a car. The inside is safe

Another relatively safe place it's the plane. As incredible as it may seem, the plane can be safe from a lightning strike. The aforementioned "Faraday cage" effect also applies to airplanes. The lightning strikes, is distributed throughout the fuselage and continues to the ground without affecting the passengers. What is the problem in these cases? Well, simple, we are not on the ground, and if the lightning affects the instruments in the cockpit, then the plane will have problems and must land as soon as possible. Lightning strikes plane

Dangerous places before lightning strikes

So far we have talked about the safest places where we can be in a storm without suffering any damage. But there are also places that are more prone and striking for the storm and that they will not hesitate to target you if they find you in one of those places.

Where never but never, you should be during a storm is on the beach, the pool or the mountain. The first two are very obvious: water conducts electricity. I think the most logical thing is to get away from the water in situations of electrical storm. Ships are especially dangerous places when there is a storm at sea. The ship is what stands out the most in the sea, therefore, the ballots of the winner of the ray of the year will be for the deck or passengers of the ship. The Golden rule previously named is not to stand out from others. Let others stand out from you, in this case, don't be competitive. However, today this is somewhat controlled, as all boats are equipped with lightning rod systems on the mainmasts.

Places to avoid during a thunderstorm
Related article:
Places to avoid during a thunderstorm

With regard to the mountain it is also logical that we are quite appetizing in front of the lightning. It is vitally important to find out weather conditions before going hiking or climbing. Again, the golden rule applies: in the mountains, we would be very conspicuous and lightning would easily strike us. Also, if you're planning an outdoor activity, make sure you know the safety protocols in the event of natural disasters.

Lightning strikes giraffe

Giraffes are prominent on the savannah, so they are more likely to be struck by lightning.

At home you also have to be careful. Although it is the safest placeEven in the car, we should close the windows. Many rays follow air currents, and if the house has two open windows and a good air current, the ray can enter through one window and exit through the other. If it finds you during its journey, it will pass through without a second thought. It is also advisable to be aware of the weather warnings in case of storms.

So with these tips you should be prepared enough to avoid being damaged by lightning. Make the lottery more likely than lightning, it's all up to you.

curiosities about storms
Related article:
Shocking Facts about Storms and Lightning

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked with *

*

*

  1. Responsible for the data: Miguel Ángel Gatón
  2. Purpose of the data: Control SPAM, comment management.
  3. Legitimation: Your consent
  4. Communication of the data: The data will not be communicated to third parties except by legal obligation.
  5. Data storage: Database hosted by Occentus Networks (EU)
  6. Rights: At any time you can limit, recover and delete your information.