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In this article, you will learn what to do during a thunderstorm when you are indoors. Find out more about safety measures, the advantages and disadvantages of protective devices, and what to keep in mind when using electrical appliances.
Behavior during a thunderstorm in the house: Precautionary measures
Thunderstorms are fascinating but also dangerous natural phenomena. Especially within your own four walls, the question arises as to what is the right thing to do to protect yourself and your family.
- Close all windows and doors, ideally for up to 30 minutes after the last lightning strike, to prevent lightning or strong wind or rain from entering. This not only protects your property from water and storm damage, but also minimizes the risk of lightning strikes entering the house through open windows.
- Disconnect electrical appliances from the power supply to protect them from surge damage. Unplug televisions, computers, and other sensitive equipment. Even though modern fuses often intercept power surges, they do not provide absolute protection against a direct lightning strike.
- Avoid contact with water pipes, as these can conduct electricity in the event of a lightning strike. Showering or bathing during a thunderstorm is therefore not advisable. You should also postpone washing up and washing your hands until later to avoid any risk.
- Stay away from windows and doors. Lightning can penetrate glass and cause serious injury. Also avoid standing near open fireplaces or other openings through which lightning could enter the house.
- Stay indoors and prefer rooms in the center of the house, especially if the building has a lightning rod. Do not stand on balconies or near metal objects to minimize the risk of being struck by lightning or flying debris in the event of a strike.
- Telephone calls with corded phones should be avoided during a thunderstorm, as lightning can be transmitted through wires.
- These measures will help keep you safe from the dangers of a thunderstorm indoors.
The benefits of lightning protection systems
Many people wonder whether it makes sense to invest in lightning protection systems. These systems offer protection, but they come at a cost. In this chapter, we will highlight the advantages and possible disadvantages of such protective measures.
- Lightning protection systems safely divert the energy of a lightning strike into the ground, preventing it from causing damage to the building or electrical installations. This is particularly useful in regions with frequent thunderstorms to avoid expensive repairs.
- Another advantage is protection against fires that can be caused by lightning strikes. A well-installed lightning protection system can significantly reduce the risk of a house fire and provides additional safety.
- However, lightning protection systems are not cheap. The cost of installation can vary depending on the size and condition of the house. It is important to weigh this investment against the risk your house is actually exposed to.
- A possible disadvantage is the need for regular maintenance and inspection to ensure the effectiveness of the system. Without this, damage could go unnoticed and compromise protection in an emergency.
These additional protective measures increase safety
In addition to lightning protection systems, other measures can also help to increase safety in the home during a thunderstorm. In this chapter, we will introduce you to some simple and effective protective measures.
- Surge protectors or surge protection outlets are an easy way to protect electrical devices from sudden power surges. These devices are inexpensive and easy to install, but they do not offer complete protection against a direct lightning strike.
- Install smoke detectors in all rooms to provide early warning in the event of a fire caused by lightning. These devices are now required by law in many regions and can save lives.
- Check the condition of your electrical system regularly. Outdated or defective cables and sockets increase the risk of short circuits and fires. If in doubt, have a professional check the system and modernize it if necessary.
- Create an emergency plan for your family. Make sure everyone knows what to do during a thunderstorm and designate safe areas in the house where you can stay until the storm has passed.
What to avoid during a thunderstorm
During a thunderstorm, there are some behaviors you should avoid in order not to endanger your safety. In this chapter, you will learn what you should pay particular attention to.
- Avoid using electrical devices that are not absolutely necessary. This includes cordless phones, as the base stations are connected to the power grid and can be damaged by lightning strikes.
- Stay indoors during a thunderstorm if possible. Even if the storm seems far away, lightning can strike miles away. Only leave the house if absolutely necessary and make sure you have a safe place to take shelter.
- Avoid contact with metal objects that can conduct electricity. These include water taps, radiators, and metal frames on windows and doors. These can be dangerous if struck by lightning.
- Do not use electronic communication devices such as cell phones or laptops that are not equipped with surge protection. The risk of lightning striking the telephone line and causing damage is low, but cannot be ruled out.
