Knowing How to avoid lightning It is mandatory safety knowledge for anyone who is active in activity outdoors. Indonesia is one of the highest lightning frequencies in the world — Bogor was once recorded as the most lightning city in the world. Guide How to avoid lightning It gives you a concrete-based measure of science to protect yourself.
Why is Lightning Dangerous?
Lightning carries electricity to 300 million volts with a current of 30,000 amps. Temperatures on the lightning path reach 30,000 Kelvin — Five times hotter than the surface of the sun. As a result, direct lightning strikes are almost always fatal or causing serious injuries.
What a lot of people don't know is that lightning doesn't have to strike directly to cause injury. The ground lightning that flows across the surface after it strikes can hurt people within a 15-meter radius. Besides, side lightning can jump from an object struck to a person standing nearby. Therefore, staying away from lightning is as important as avoiding a direct hit.
Safe and Unsafe refuge
| Location | Security | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| The concrete / sturdy brick building | ✅ Clear. | The structure of the building conducts the currents to the ground |
| Roof metal vehicles | ✅ Clear. | Faraday cage effect protecting passengers |
| Under the tall tree | ❌ Very dangerous | Trees often target lightning. |
| Bottom of the bridge / tunnel | ⚠️ Dangerous. | Ground current flows in moist soil |
| Gazebo or saung open | ❌ Dangerous. | No protection from side flash |
| Pool / lake / river | ❌ Very dangerous | Water brings electricity very well |
| Top of the hill / mountain open | ❌ Very dangerous | The highest point is to target lightning. |
| Parts or dry low ground | ✅ Relative secure | Low points reduce the risk of flogging |
Rule 30-30 for Lightning Safety
The 30-30 rule is a simple guide that meteorologist recommended. If the distance between lightning and thunder is less than 30 seconds, find shelter immediately. Count the seconds between lightning and thunder sound — Every 3 seconds means lightning about 1 km from you.
Stay in the shelter for at least 30 minutes after lightning or last thunder is heard. A lot of lightning accidents happen because people come out too fast after the storm seems to pass. Therefore, patience is the key to survival when trapped in a lightning storm.
How to Avoid Lightning On Climbing Mountain · Global Voices
Mountain climbing is the riskiest group in Indonesia. Always start climbing at dawn and target reaching the peak before 11: 00 and then down before 11: 00. A lightning storm in Mount Indonesia is most common between 13: 00 and 7: 00 and 7: 00 p.m. because daylight heat triggers a strong confection.
Monitor minimal weather forecast 3 days before climbing through Cuaca.in. Check Extreme weather warning to make sure there are no predicted storms. Look too 7-day forecast to plan a safe climb date.
Safe position If Trapped Outside In Lightning
If there's no shelter, stay away from trees, poles, and metal fences at least 50 yards away. Stay away from all the water sources. Take a squat position with tight legs, touching heels, head down, and ear cover by hand. Don't lie on the ground for expanding contact with ground current. If together with the group, split up at least 15 meters between people.
