Careful, lightning! So you come safely through the storm
What to do if I am surprised by a thunderstorm in nature?
Are you surprised by a thunderstorm on a hike or bike ride? Then it is ideal if you find a brick building or a haystack where you can look for shelter. Otherwise, keep at a distance from masts, waters and trees.
Do not give the flash any attack surface!
If you can not find a shelter, it's hot: squat down, put your feet as close together as possible, move your head in. Never lay flat on the ground - this will only increase your attack surface for lightning.
"You should look for books, Oaks you should give way" - is that true?
Unfortunately not. Trees are - like everything that is high - lightning magnets. Therefore, it is always dangerous in the forest, no matter which trees grow there. Here are trees with thin trunks the lesser evil, because the thick ones are usually the higher.
I'm in a group
Even if you want to cling together tightly now: Who is traveling in a group should keep at least three feet apart.
Umbrella open or closed?
If you are in an exposed position, close your umbrella - the lightning strikes always at the highest point.
I'm on my bike
If you are surprised by a thunderstorm on a bike ride, it is best to put your bike on the ground and walk at least three meters away. This will not happen to you if your bike is hit by lightning.
Do I have to get out of the water?
Yes immediately! The lightning current would spread on the water.
Should I get in the car?
In the car it is safe. But only if you do not touch metal parts. Because the lightning is derived via the metal body to the earth ("Faraday cage"). Important: Close window and sunroof!
Can I call my best friend to reassure me?
D rather not. It's best to turn off the phone and never make a call in the open air. The device could direct the lightning current directly into the body.
How do I behave at home?
Disconnects all devices from the power outlet before the storm, including disconnectable power strips. Even if the flash does not hit the house, TV, computer & Co. can be damaged by surges.
My child is very afraid of thunderstorms - what to do?
We have Dr. Carola Bindt, Specialist in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychotherapy at the "Altona Children's Hospital" in Hamburg asked:
"The most effective way is for the person who is with the child to remain calm and not afraid to distract the child, to contribute to his relaxation, for example by reading or telling a story to him Play game with him.
Do not try to explain the phenomenon scientifically to the child. In the anxiety situation it will not be receptive. Anyway, for a child under the age of four, a complex relationship such as the appearance of a thunderstorm can not yet be understood.
Older children can explain the natural phenomenon - but in a relaxed situation. If they listen anxiously to the thunder rumble, such explanations do not arrive. Incidentally, this also applies to adults; also we can not learn vocabulary when we are afraid. "
