When Lightning Strikes ; You can work out how far away the thunderstorm is like this: As soon as you see the lightning, start counting the seconds. Stop when you hear the thunder, and divide the number you have counted by three. The answer you get tells you roughly how far you are, in kilometres, from the thunderstorm. Lightning injuries are not the same as electrical shocks. For one thing, the contact voltage of a typical industrial electrical shock is 20 to 63 kilovolts, while a lightning strike delivers about 300 kilovolts. Industrial shocks rarely last longer than half a second (500 milliseconds) because a circuit breaker opens or the person is thrown far from the live conductor. Lightning strikes have an even shorter duration, only lasting up to a few milliseconds. Both industrial shock and lightning victims may be injured from falling down or being thrown, and the leading cause of immediate death for both is cardiac or cardiopulmonary arrest..

Avoid Being Struck By Lightning ? ; Seek a safe shelter immediately! If you're unable to find shelter in a building or residence that is equipped with a lightning protection system, it is  suggested the following safety guidelines:

Indoors

►Stand clear from windows, doors and electrical appliances.

►Unplug appliances well before a storm nears - never during.

►Avoid contact with piping including sinks, baths and faucets.

►Do not use the telephone except for emergencies.

►Look for a shelter equipped with a lightning protection system like those found at golf courses, public parks and pools.

►If you're caught outside and unprotected:

►Get in a hard topped car.

►Never use a tree as a shelter.

►Avoid areas that are higher than the surrounding landscape.

►Keep away from metal objects including bikes, golf carts, fencing, machinery, etc.

►Avoid standing near tall objects.

►Immediately get out and away from pools, lakes, and other bodies of water.

►Spread out - don't stand in a crowd of people.

►If you feel a tingling sensation or your hair stands on end, lightning may be about to strike! Immediately crouch down and cover your ears. Do not lie down or place your hands on the ground.

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