Monday, May 27, 2019

A Professional Guide On Lightning Protection

By Matthew Young


About 2,000 people are struck by lightning every year around the world. It is a traumatizing experience that kills and destroys property. Buildings are supposed to have lightning protection features as part of their construction. However, there are dangers that are not related to buildings. Everyone must therefore be prepared to take cover.

Ascertain that the building you have rented has adequate protection measures. If you are a developer, take appropriate measures to protect the building. Construction authorities provide standards that must be met during construction. They involve installation of arrestor plates that will earth or ground the current. These are the basic measures of staying safe and keeping everyone in the house safe.

Watch the weather if you live in a place that is prone to thunder. Taking precaution is always preferred as opposed to waiting until the minute of strike. If weather reports indicate that there will be thunder, you can avoid too much traveling or take cover in a safe house. Do not wait to be caught up in the rains and risk being struck. The results might be catastrophic.

It is not an option to relocate if you live in a place that is prone to storms. This calls for active cover whenever a storm strikes. Stay away from water whenever a storm strikes. Water conducts the current and will therefore get to you. Come down from high grounds because they are more prone to strikes. Keep away from open spaces as well because they increase the chances of a strike.

A vehicle that is completely enclosed will provide adequate protection in case there is a strike. As long as you are not in contact with the metallic body, the current cannot get to you. Ensure that the windows are completely closed. If you are caught outside, you should put your legs together and crouch down. The clapping of thunder will also damage your ears. You should therefore close the ears with your hands.

The risk of being struck remains even when you are indoors. You cannot predict how it will happen and therefore must take cover. Among the most effective measures to take include keeping away from the door or window as well as avoiding water. Do not use the telephone and remove your headset. Current travels on any wire it finds on your house. It will therefore hijack the telephone and get to you. Stay away from gadgets and electronics. They must be unplugged from the wall.

Suspend all activities that relate to water or outdoors and remain within a safe area. You can be affected by a lightning strike that hits the ground up to 10 miles away. This means that it will travel with water and get to you. Avoid water and such other dangerous places for up to 30 minutes after the last thunder.

Taking active protection measures is important but it only adds on the measures taken to protect the infrastructure. Work with a professional technician to monitor and test the effectiveness of plates and poles installed on a building. All people within the premises must be sensitized on the best action to take in case lightning strikes.




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