How to protect yourself during storms?

It's still winter here in Brazil, but the tips you'll see below can be very helpful during summer storms, when lightning strikes many regions and even kills some people.

Heavy hail rains can also cause damage not only to homes and cars, but also to people, causing injury. The folks at Mother Nature Network posted some key factors to protect themselves during thunderstorms that may also come with lightning and thunderstorms.

The article was produced by a journalist who lives in the US state of Florida, which is greatly affected by these natural phenomena. On average, lightning is the cause of 67 deaths and more than 300 people injured each year in the United States.

So the warning, which is also true for our hot weather season followed by heavy rainy rainfall between December and March. Some rules are well known, while others may be new and very useful for when the time is close. Check it out below:

1 - Look for a sturdy shelter

If you are outdoors in the open air (such as a park lawn, a beach, an open parking lot, or a football field) when a thunderstorm begins, head indoors or the toughest nearby space you find., be it a building with lightning rods or another stronger and stronger structure. But stay away from the windows.

Umbrellas, parasols or umbrellas are not suitable for you to protect yourself from a lightning storm, as they can even attract them, making you a real lightning rod and consequent barbecue.

2 - If you are driving, park the car

If you are driving on the road during a storm, the best thing to do is to slow down and park at the nearest safe place. If only the shoulder option is available, turn on the warning light and signal with the safety triangle.

If you are in town, look for a secure parking spot and stay away from trees and mains. But if it is necessary to continue driving, avoid touching any metal part of the car. If lightning strikes your car, it will act as a metal box that will spread the electrical charge and prevent it from reaching your body as long as you are not touching anything metallic in the car.

3 - Avoid contact with electronics

Do not use appliances plugged into electrical outlets. Turn off any electronic equipment, such as your computer and TV, as soon as the storm begins or gets very strong. Lightning and lightning can cause an electrical impulse that can damage these devices.

Do not take an electric shower, especially during a thunderstorm, as a lightning strike may produce changed voltages and cause severe shock.

4 - Stay away from water

It's not a myth: the best thing to do during a storm is to get out of the water, whether it's from a pool, the beach, a bathtub or even a shower (electric or not). Even if you say you've had a storm swimming in a pool or taking a nice bath and nothing happened, lucky you. But it is better to prevent.

For home baths, lightning can strike the plumbing and travel through it, reaching you if you are using these areas. It is best to wait until the storm is over for bathing or even washing dishes.

5 - Do not go under trees

If you happen to be in an open place when a storm arrives, do not take shelter under a large tree because they act as natural lightning rods. If they are struck by lightning, the branches may still fall and cause injury or even death.

Also stay away from the sea, lakes, lagoons, railroad tracks and fences: all that can transfer electric current to you if struck by lightning. With these tips, your safety is guaranteed.