If accidents remain rare, lightning is not without danger. Here are the good reflexes to have in case of thunderstorms.
- Since 2000, 435,000 lightning strikes on the ground and 260 days of thunderstorms have been recorded each year, according to Météo France.
- In the event of lightning, the air reaches a temperature of 30,000°C in a few thousandths of a second.
While five departments of the country are still placed, this Friday, June 24, in orange vigilance for the risk of thunderstorms, we remind you of the good reflexes to have to avoid being surprised by lightning, which affects between 200 and 300 people. per year in France, and kills nearly 30. On the advice of French firefighters and of theLightning Protection Association.
The right reflexes outside
Because it seeks to reach the ground as quickly as possible, lightning is likely to first strike the elements pointing towards the sky: closer to the clouds, trees, antennas, pylons and building roofs are the first affected. . This is why taking refuge under a large isolated oak tree in the middle of a storm is never a good idea (rather crouch between two leafy trees if possible).
In addition, it is better to move away from power lines and turn off electronic devices: you risk attracting lightning. Shelter in a car is on the other hand judicious, the metal of the carcass protecting the interior of the cabin. On the other hand, the metal of your rings and chains will make you a prime target for lightning: remove them. And above all, do not take shelter under an umbrella, especially if its stem is made of metal.
A human body standing in an open area (stadium, field, meadow, etc.) is a privileged target, because it acts as a lightning rod. Joggers, cyclists, horse riders, mountaineers… are among the most common victims. As soon as you hear the sky rumbling, caution is in order: take refuge indoors. If there is no shelter, squat on the ground, feet on an insulating material (raincoat, backpack, rope, etc.) and tuck your head into your shoulders. And if you are in a group, move away at least 3 meters from other people around.
It is also advisable not to stay near water points, as water is particularly conductive. If you find yourself in the water during the storm and unable to get out, stay as submerged as possible.
The good uses inside
If you are in a closed house (even equipped with a lightning rod), some precautions still have to be taken, because lightning can fall there and cause a lot of damage, for example at the level of the roof, at the risk of injuring you.
To avoid being struck by lightning, avoid touching water pipes, and exclude baths and showers. Also, stay away from doors and windows as much as possible, and don’t touch any metal objects like water taps or washing machines.
Last interior advice: unplug the landline telephone, the preferred entry point for electricity in the house (prefer the mobile phone, but only in the event of an emergency). If you do not have suitable equipment such as lightning protectors, also unplug the mains power cord and the aerial cable of the television, which could implode in the event of a power surge and injure people who are in the same room. .
