10 steps to take when lightning occurs

The lightning incident in Batu Pahat that claimed the lives of two adults and a child recently must be taken seriously by the authorities and schools nationwide. While it was reported that they were taking shelter in a makeshift hut outside the school when they were struck by lightning, they were in effect taking shelter under a tree since the hut was built under the tree as shown in the New Straits Time.

It is believed that the lightning had struck the tree and the lightning current had flashed over to the three victims who were sitting on the bench as it traveled to the ground. A similar incident occurred many years ago at a golf club in Johor Baru where several golfers were struck and killed by lightning while they took shelter in a hut that was built right next to a tree.

The authorities should survey all schools, public parks and roads to ensure that huts, bus stops and gazebos are not built too close to trees since this incident can repeat itself. These structures should be immediately dismantled if they are found to have been built, legally or otherwise, within 3m of a tree trunk or under a big branch. Lightning may also cause a branch to break off and fall on any structure beneath it. In addition, public shelters built by the authorities should also be equipped with a lightning protection system that fully comply with the Malaysian standard, MS-IEC62305.

Since the lightning season still have a few weeks to go, the public is reminded to follow the following safety rule in order to avoid being a victim.

1. STOP all outdoor activities and SEEK a shelter as soon as you see dark thunder clouds gather on the horizon or over the hill. Lightning can strike up to 15 km away from the thundercloud i.e. even before the rain starts!

2. RUN for a shelter if you can hear a thunder or see a lightning bolt. You are ALREADY IN DANGER of being struck by lightning.

3. DO NOT wait for the rain to fall before you act. Sometimes, lightning occurs BEFORE the rain starts to fall. NEVER use an umbrella in a lightning storm.

4. DO NOT TAKE SHELTER UNDER A TREE or in a tent, a small shed, a kongsi, a rotunda or a roadside food stall. For small shelters, ensure that they have been installed with a proper lightning protection system before you take shelter in them.

5. DO take shelter inside a sturdy or large building (eg. a shop or a house), inside a metal roofed vehicle (eg. a bus, van or car) or under a large structure (eg. a bridge). DO NOT loiter outside a large building to avoid being struck by debris from lightning damage.

6. IF there is no proper shelter nearby, get down from an elevated position (eg. mound, hill top or platform). Get into any depression in the ground or in a dry drain.

7. GET into a Lightning Defensive Position i.e. squat down with your feet together and close your ears with your hands. DO NOT lie down. DO NOT touch anyone or any metal objects (eg. fence, gate etc.) near you.

8. IF it rains, get your clothes wet because wet clothing helps to reduce serious injuries to the lightning struck person. Let the current flow over you instead of inside you.

9. INSIDE a shelter, DO NOT touch any metallic object, electric equipment or cable. DO NOT use the telephone unless it is really urgent. Use a mobile phone instead (if available). KEEP AWAY from the balcony, verandah, doorway, window, wall or pillar.

10. STAY inside your shelter for 30 minutes AFTER the last thunder is heard. Lightning can strike up to 15 km away from the thundercloud i.e. even after the rain had stopped!

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This is the opinion of Hartono Zainal Abidin, a lightning protection expert.