How to escape from a lightning strike

Lightning defeat - the phenomenon is not very frequent. The share of risk is approximately 1: 10,000,000. Yet it happens, so it's best to be ready and know how to protect themselves.

As lightning chooses where to strike

If no explain abstruse physical terms, the lightning always hits the highest object. Because lightning - an electrical discharge, as it passes along the path of least resistance. That is why he first hit the highest tree in the field and on the highest building in the city. For example, in the Ostankino TV tower lightning strikes about 50 times a year!

lightning can be up to 20 km and its diameter - of 10 to 45 cm. "Lives" zipper tenths of a second, and its average speed - 150 km / s. In this case, the current in the lightning reaches 200 000 A.

What to do if you caught lightning in open terrain

• Do not hide under tall trees, especially isolated. The most dangerous in this case are considered to deciduous trees such as oak and poplar. But in conifers lightning strikes it is much less, because they have the essential oils have electrical resistance (by the way, linden, walnut and beech are also in the security zone, they also have oil). At the same time entering into the bushes or low bushes extremely unlikely.
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• On the open space it is best to hide in a hole or trench. In this case, in any case do not go on the ground: it is better to sit, slightly head down, that it is not higher than the surroundings. Keep feet together to reduce the area of ​​possible defeat.
• Do not run. The air stream that you create when running, can attract a fireball.
• Fold the umbrella and turn off the mobile, as well as get rid of other metal objects: put them at a safe distance (at least 15 m).
• If you have two or three, everyone should find a separate cover, as our body - it is an excellent conductor for the discharge.
• Do not swim in the waters during a storm. If the bad weather caught you by surprise, do not run out of water and do not wave your hands. Calmly and slowly exit the reservoir.
• If you are in the mountains, avoid sharp projections and elevations.

How do you know that lightning is about to strike

If you are in an open area, and suddenly felt the hair stand on end and the skin is slightly tingling, or felt the vibrations emanating from objects, which means that now bahnet.

Such sensations occur in 3-4 seconds before the lightning strike. Immediately, lean forward, hands on his knees (in any case not on the ground!) Put the heels together to discharge did not pass through the body.

What if during a thunderstorm while you are indoors

• Close vents, windows and doors.
• Unplug electrical appliances from the sockets.
• Get away from the windows and metal objects.
• If you need to make an urgent call, do it immediately after the lightning discharge - and quickly.

What happens if lightning struck the man

When a person is struck by lightning discharge causes common violations. In places where the lightning entered and where she can be formed burns or woody red stripes. If defeat was weak, there tinnitus, general weakness.

But with a heavy defeat a person can fall into a swoon, he dramatically reduced body temperature, heart rate slows down, may stop breathing. But the victim can still be time to save.

Can you survive after being struck by lightning

Yes. Firstly, despite the high temperature of the discharge time, the effect lasts very long and does not always lead to even serious burns.

Second, often the main current passes through a body surface, however in most cases not fatal lightning strike. According to various estimates, death occurs in 5-10% of cases.

The probability of survival is increased if there is a man who knows how to do artificial respiration and heart massage. Even if the person appears to be dead, be sure to try to give him first aid. Because the chance of survival is always there!

How to provide first aid when struck by lightning

1. The victim must be placed on a hard surface.
2. If a person is lucky and has a shock (loss of speech, syncope), try to bring him out of this state. If by any chance there is with ammonia, use it. Call an ambulance.
3. If the person is unconscious and not breathing, you need as soon as possible, give artificial respiration mouth-to-mouth and chest compressions.
4. Try a non-stop resuscitation. You have a maximum of 15 minutes, after which the chances of rescue when severe cases are extremely small.