Precautions during thunderstorms

Cars and thunderstorms

Inside a car is a relatively safe place to be during a thunderstorm, the commonly told explanation being that it is because of its rubber tires. This is, however, not the case.

The real reason is that the car's body acts as a steel cage (popularly referred to as Faraday's cage) which conducts the energy from the stroke of lightning into the ground.

Therefore, it is important not to touch the metal parts of the car and to make sure that all windows, etc. are securely closed.

It may also be a good idea to park the car on the side of the road while the thunderstorm rages so as to not get blinded by the lightning or scared by the thunderclaps - and wind up having an accident.

 

Camping and thunderstorms

Tents:

Never put up your tent near utility poles or masts, on the outskirts of the forest or near isolated trees.

It is fairly safe to be in a tent inside the forest. Use an insulating mat, such as a camp mattress, and squat down on it, but never touch the tent's poles during a thunderstorm.

Camper trailer:

Like a car, a trailer is built around a metal frame that will conduct the energy from any stroke of lightning into the ground (often referred to as Farraday's cage).

Therefore, it is relatively safe to stay in a camper during a thunderstorm as long as the doors and windows are closed and you do not touch any metal parts.

 

Bathing and thunderstorms

Being in or just near the water during a thunderstorm can be a dangerous experiment.

Water conducts electricity, and if lightning strikes the water up to 100 m away from you, it may actually kill you.

If it does not kill you, it may cause you to become unconscious and you may drown instead.