There are many myths surrounding this weather phenomenon in the sky. Our lightning experts know the right thing to do during thunderstorms and how to get through them safely.
Where am I well protected from lightning strikes?
Generally indoors - preferably with a lightning rod. You are also safe on the train or in the car. This is because the metal housing does not conduct electricity into the interior. If you are driving a convertible, you must of course close the roof. And be careful: if you are on a bicycle or motorcycle, get off and move at least three meters away.
Behavior during thunderstorms: What posture should I adopt outdoors?
Lightning often strikes at high points such as trees or buildings - but it can also strike a flat meadow. The correct way to behave during a thunderstorm is to crouch down and place your feet close together. Do not lie down under any circumstances! This gives your body more surface area. And if lightning strikes nearby, the current can flow through you from the ground.
Should I look for beeches and give way to oaks?
No, that saying is nonsense. Lightning doesn't care what type of tree it strikes. As a general rule, never stand under a tree during a thunderstorm, but keep at least ten meters away. Otherwise lightning could strike you from the branches.
Do I have to disconnect electrical appliances from the power supply?
Not if you live in a building with a lightning protection system. If you have not installed surge protection, you should unplug all sensitive electrical appliances. This is because lightning can pass through the cables into your television or radio, for example. Incidentally, surge protection is installed in the distribution box by a qualified electrician. Costs: from 250 euros. Special protection devices for the socket that you can plug in yourself also offer a little protection - good products are available from 30 euros.
Can I make phone calls during a thunderstorm?
If you are using your cell phone, it is not dangerous. However, if you are using a telephone with a cable, lightning can strike the line. This is not life-threatening, but you could feel an electric shock.
And can I take a shower or a bath?
If the building has a lightning protection system and all metal cables are earthed, there is no reason not to. However, if you live in an old building, you should ask an electrician whether lightning can jump over to the shower or bath.
Extra info: Assess the danger correctly
You can calculate how many kilometers away the thunderstorm is. Formula: Seconds between lightning and thunder divided by three. So if ten seconds pass between lightning and thunder, the thunderstorm is only a good three kilometers away - danger to life! The correct behavior during thunderstorms: As soon as you hear thunder, you should no longer be outdoors. The danger is only finally over 30 minutes after the last thunder. More information: www.vor-blitzen-schuetzen.eu.