Lightning is a powerful and awe-inspiring natural phenomenon, but it’s also surrounded by numerous myths and misconceptions. While some of these myths are harmless, others can lead to dangerous behaviors during a storm. In this blog, we’ll debunk some of the most common myths about lightning and provide you with the correct information to stay safe during thunderstorms.
1. Myth: You Shouldn’t Use Mobile Phones During a Thunderstorm
Fact: This myth is partly true but requires clarification. It is safe to use mobile phones during a thunderstorm if they are not connected to a charger. The real danger lies in using corded phones or devices that are plugged into an electrical outlet during a storm. Lightning can strike your home, travel through the wiring, and potentially cause serious injury if you’re using a plugged-in device.
Safety Tip: If you need to use a mobile phone during a storm, ensure it is fully charged beforehand and avoid using it while it is plugged into a charger.
2. Myth: Lightning Never Strikes the Same Place Twice
Fact: Lightning can and often does strike the same place more than once. Tall structures like the Empire State Building and lightning rods are designed to be struck by lightning multiple times. Lightning follows the path of least resistance, and if a location offers that path, it’s likely to be hit again.
Safety Tip: Always seek shelter during a thunderstorm, regardless of whether an area has been struck before.
3. Myth: If You’re Outside, Lie Flat on the Ground
Fact: Lying flat on the ground during a thunderstorm is not recommended. Doing so increases your risk of being injured by ground current, which occurs when lightning strikes the ground and spreads outwards. Instead, if you’re caught outside with no shelter, you should crouch down with your feet together, minimizing your contact with the ground.
Safety Tip: The safest place during a thunderstorm is indoors or in a car with the windows up. If you must be outside, avoid open fields and tall objects, and assume the lightning crouch position.
4. Myth: Rubber Tires Protect You From Lightning in a Car
Fact: It’s not the rubber tires that protect you from lightning strikes when you’re inside a car; it’s the metal frame. When lightning strikes a vehicle, the metal frame directs the electricity around the occupants and safely into the ground. Convertibles, motorcycles, bicycles, and other vehicles with little or no metal are not safe during lightning storms.
Safety Tip: During a thunderstorm, stay inside a fully enclosed vehicle with a metal roof and sides, and avoid touching any metal surfaces inside the car.
5. Myth: You Can Tell How Far Away a Storm Is by Counting Seconds Between Lightning and Thunder
Fact: This myth has some truth to it. You can estimate the distance of a storm by counting the seconds between seeing lightning and hearing thunder and then dividing by five to get the distance in miles. However, this only gives a rough estimate, and it’s important to remember that if you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning.
Safety Tip: As soon as you hear thunder, take shelter immediately. Do not wait until the storm is close.
6. Myth: Wearing Metal Attracts Lightning
Fact: Wearing metal does not increase your chances of being struck by lightning. Lightning is attracted to tall, isolated objects, not the materials they are made of. However, if you are struck by lightning, metal can cause severe burns or other injuries.
Safety Tip: Focus on finding shelter during a storm rather than worrying about removing metal objects like jewelry or belts.
7. Myth: Lightning Only Occurs With Thunderstorms
Fact: While most lightning occurs during thunderstorms, it can also happen in other types of weather conditions, such as volcanic eruptions, forest fires, and heavy snowstorms (thundersnow). These rare occurrences are still dangerous and should be treated with the same precautions as regular lightning.
Safety Tip: Be aware of your surroundings and stay informed about the weather, especially if unusual conditions like thundersnow or volcanic activity are possible.
8. Myth: If It’s Not Raining, You’re Safe From Lightning
Fact: Lightning often strikes outside of heavy rain and can occur as far as 10 miles from any rainfall. This type of lightning is sometimes called a “bolt from the blue” because it appears to come out of a clear sky.
Safety Tip: If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. Take shelter even if it’s not raining.
Wrapping Up
Lightning is a fascinating yet dangerous force of nature, and understanding the facts can help you stay safe during thunderstorms. By debunking these common myths, we hope to clear up any misconceptions and provide you with accurate information that could save your life.
Remember, when it comes to lightning, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Stay indoors during a storm, avoid using plugged-in devices, and never assume that a place struck by lightning won’t be struck again. Stay safe, and be prepared!
In the next blog of this series, we’ll explore how to protect your appliances from lightning strikes and power surges. Stay tuned!
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