Shelter from the rain under a tree during a thunderstorm is very dangerous. Even in a deluge, it is better to be completely wet than to take the risk of being struck down by staying under a tree.
? The answer in one sentence: staying under a tree during a thunderstorm increases the risk of being struck by lightning.
Intense heat is often followed by memorable storms. This is the case this Tuesday, July 11, 2023: 5 departments have been placed on red alert by Météo-France, for “ extremely severe thunderstorms “. Supercell thunderstorms, expected in the afternoon, should give way to a ” multicellular tendency “, according to Keraunos, the French observatory for tornadoes and violent thunderstorms.
When you are surprised by a storm, without the possibility of sheltering in a building (which must be the first reflex), it is tempting to take refuge under a tree. However, getting dry under its foliage is absolutely not a good idea: it is even extremely risky. You take the risk of being struck by lightning under a tree and only firefighters can help you.
Why shouldn’t we stay under a tree in the event of a storm?
In the event of a storm, to protect yourself from lightning, you therefore avoid staying under a tree, wherever you are. Especially if the tree is isolated or only part of a small group of trees. ” It has been shown that the risk of a lightning strike from a lone tree in open space is about 50 times greater than that from a standing man. “Recalls the Ministry of the Interior – which provides on this site the list of advice to protect yourself in the event of a storm.
The tree is a privileged target of lightning, because it constitutes a high point, underlines the Lightning Protection Association. Good behavior, so as not to become a target for lightning yourself, is therefore to move away from the tree trunk and branches by at least 3 meters then to squat on your heels, keeping your feet seals.
If you are in the forest when a storm breaks out, it is obviously more complicated not to be under a tree. It is therefore recommended to adopt the least risky position: stand as far as possible from the trunks, avoid being close to low branches. This minimizes the risk.
What not to do in the event of a thunderstorm?
If, on the contrary, you are in an open space, such as a field, when the storm strikes, do not take shelter under an open umbrella. An umbrella contains metal and may act as a lightning rod, and therefore attract lightning. ” Any conductive part must on the contrary be lowered, or better even placed next to you sums up the government. Then, in the same way, you have to squat on your heels, with your feet together.
However, this does not concern your smartphone: using it does not increase the risk (as long as its antenna does not exceed your head). ” Its volume, even if it is metallic, remains insufficient to have an attractive effect on lightning. »
Another recommendation: never stand with your legs apart or walk with long strides in the event of a storm. The ideal would be to get into a ball on the ground (legs folded under you), and preferably, lying on a raincoat or another insulating material (like plastic).
If you are in the storm in a group, be sure to move away from each other at least 3 meters, to avoid the risk of chain lightning between the different people.
Can you be struck down in a house?
Once inside, the question of protecting yourself under a tree no longer arises. But, there are also some instructions to follow during a storm, which are always useful to remember. We abstain from taking a shower, a bath or washing the dishes during a storm. If lightning strikes a house, metal wires and water are a conductive path for electricity. In the same way, one avoids using electronic devices on sector, as well as its fixed telephone.
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