The weather department predicts a minor probability of thunderstorms, but there are only a few fluffy white clouds in the sky. So you and your friends go for a walk. You warm up for a few minutes and then—wait! Is it thunder you’re hearing? Was that a bolt of lightning? Come back home! But, are you completely safe in the building? No.

Every year, up to 2,000 people are killed by lightning around the world. Hundreds more are hit but survive, frequently with long-term and devastating consequences. Even if your building is a haven during a lightning storm, you may still be in danger because one-third of lightning-related injuries occur indoors.

Here are some precautions you may take to protect your building and also some tips to protect yourself when you are outside or inside to reduce your chances of being struck.

Tips for Building Safety

The following are some precautions you can take if your building is located in an area where lightning and thunderstorms occur frequently:

External & Internal Protection: The purpose of a lightning protection system is to redirect the lightning away from your building to safeguard buildings against mechanical or fire damage as well as to stop people inside from getting hurt or possibly killed due to lightning strikes.

An overall lightning protection system consists of:

1. ESE: An Early Streamer Emission (ESE) lightning protection system is a cutting-edge technology-based external lightning protection device. It is designed to become the point of discharge of the lightning bolt to regulate the impact and prevent damage. It is also known as the ionizing lightning rod or arrestor.

• Surge Protectors: Lightning equipotential bonding decreases the potential differences induced by lightning currents. Internal lightning protection is provided by connecting all isolated conducting elements of the installation with conductors or surge protection devices.

Exothermic welding: It is a technique that heats metals and achieves bonding by using hot molten metal created by an exothermic reaction between the metal oxide and metal aluminum.

Prevention: To reduce the risk of lightning storms, a local early warning system might be installed. It keeps an eye on both the electrostatic and electromagnetic fields as it can spot both approaching and developing electrical storms over the area that needs to be protected.

Tips for Indoor Safety

Here are some precautions you can take to avoid being struck by lightning while indoors.

Stay away from water

During a thunderstorm, do not bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water since lightning can travel through a building’s plumbing. The chance of lightning striking plumbing may be lower with plastic pipes than with metal pipes.

Do not touch any electronic equipment.

Computers, laptops, game systems, and other electrically powered devices should not be used. Lightning can strike electrical equipment, radio and television receiving systems, and any metal wires or bars embedded in concrete walls or flooring. Protect your appliances by installing whole-house surge protectors.

Tips for Outdoor Safety

Although there is no secure place outside during a thunderstorm, you may reduce your risk by assessing the lightning hazard early and adopting necessary precautions. Here are some outdoor safety measures to assist you to avoid getting hit.

Go inside

When you hear thunder, go indoors. Find a safe, enclosed shelter. Retail malls, buildings, and hard-top automobiles with windows rolled up are all examples of safe spaces.

Avoid wide open spaces

Avoid open areas like golf courses, parks, playgrounds, ponds, lakes, swimming pools, and beaches. Seek shelter immediately.

Contact JSM Energy to get the best Lightning Protection System to safeguard yourself and your loved ones from lightning strikes.

Read More Article:

How Do Lightning Rods Work to Protect Buildings?

A Guide to Lightning Protection Systems