Rules of conduct during a thunderstorm

June 21, 2021

As part of the republican campaign "Holidays without smoke and fire", rescuers remind you of safety rules during a thunderstorm

As part of the republican campaign "Holidays without smoke and fire", rescuers remind you of safety rules during a thunderstorm:

The thunderstorm season in Belarus occurs at different times each year, but generally starts in the second half of April and ends in early October. Every year, lightning causes damage to farms and residential buildings. It can cause fires, explosions, destruction, and sometimes injuries and deaths. This year alone, 2 fires have occurred in the Dokshitsy district due to lightning strikes.

Lightning is dangerous when thunder follows the flash. In this case, the following safety measures must be taken:

If you are in an apartment or house in a rural area: close windows, doors, chimneys, and ventilation openings, do not light a stove, as high-temperature gases exiting the chimney have low resistance, and do not talk on the phone.

During lightning strikes, do not go near electrical wiring, lightning rods, roof drains, or antennas. Do not stand near windows, turn off the TV, computer, and other electrical appliances in the house.

If a thunderstorm catches you in the forest, take shelter in a low-growing area of the forest. Do not hide near tall trees, especially pines, oaks, or poplars.

If you were on the beach, get out of the water, move away from the shore, and descend from a high place to a low-lying area.

If you are in a field and there is no shelter, do not lie on the ground, exposing your entire body to electric current, but squat in a hollow, ravine, or other natural depression, hugging your legs with your arms.

If a thunderstorm catches you in a car, do not leave it, close the windows and lower the radio antenna. If you are caught in a thunderstorm on a bicycle or motorcycle, stop moving and wait out the thunderstorm at a distance of about 30 meters from your vehicle.

In case of a fire, call 101 or 112! Take care of yourself and your loved ones!