lightning safety

In Australia, lightning accounts for 5 to 10 deaths and well over 100 injuries annually. Of the many lightning strike injuries each year, many result from people using fixed telephones during thunderstorms when the phone system may become highly charged near where lightning is striking. Related injuries may include hearing damage, burns, electrocution and even death.

While lightning may be a fact of life, there are some things you can do to stay safe when lightning strikes.

if you are inside during a lightning strike:

Fit your home with surge protectors and lightning conductors to help safeguard your family and electrical appliances should lightning strike the ground or powerlines nearby.
Before the storm arrives, disconnect the external aerial and power leads to radio and television sets. Also disconnect computer modems and power leads.
Avoid the use of fixed telephones. If it is an emergency and you need to use the phone, ensure the call is brief or use a cordless or mobile phone.

if you are outside during a lightning strike:

Find shelter as quickly as possible and remain sheltered for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder
Do not remain in an open area such as a paddock, golf course or body of water
If possible, do not seek shelter under tall trees they themselves could be subject to a lightning strike
If far from shelter, crouch with your feet together

Do not lie down, but avoid being the highest object in the area.
Do not fly kites or model aeroplanes with control wires.
Do not handle fishing rods, umbrellas or golf clubs.
Stay away from metal poles, fences and clothes lines.
If driving, slow down or park away from trees and powerlines.
If swimming, surfing or boating, attempt to go ashore and find shelter as quickly as possible.

what is lightning?

Lightning is a powerful electrical spark produced in a thunderstorm. Thunder is the sound pressure created when a lightning stroke superheats the air around it. If you hear the sound of thunder, then you are in danger from lightning. Lightning can travel from cloud to cloud, or, as is often the case, strikes the earth.

what causes lightning?

Lightning is the electric discharge produced when voltage differences between ground and atmospheric electrical charges are large enough to overcome the insulating effect of the air. During thunderstorms electrical charges build up on the ground beneath clouds. The ground’s electrical charge concentrates on the earth’s surface around objects that are taller that their surroundings, for example trees, buildings or people. Once these electrical charges become strong enough, lightning is the powerful flow of electrical energy that flashes between these points and the base of the clouds. During the strike, the surrounding air is superheated, creating the loud crash of thunder.

how do you know if lightning is nearby?

If you see dark clouds, then lightning may be present. The best way to know if lightning is close is to listen for thunder. The sound of the thunder travels much more slowly than the light from the lightning flash. If you hear thunder 10 seconds after you see a lightning flash, it is only 3 kilometres away. The shorter the time between the flash and the sound of thunder, the closer the lightning is to you.

how does lightning affect the electricity network?

A lightning strike to the electricity network can result in damage to electrical equipment and infrastructure. This can cause fallen powerlines and power interruptions. If you see a fallen powerline stay away and report it to ENERGEX by calling 13 19 62.

if you are with someone who has been struck by lightning:

Call 000 and begin CPR (if trained) on the lightning victim immediately. Continue performing CPR until medical help arrives.

For more information on how to prepare for storm season visit the summer storms page.

lightning tracker

Disclaimer

This is not an exhaustive list of all safety matters that need to be considered. Whilst care is taken in the preparation of this material, ENERGEX does not guarantee the accuracy and completeness of information.

ENERGEX will not be responsible for any loss, damage or costs incurred as a result of any errors omissions or misrepresentations in relation to the material in this document or for any possible actions ensuing from information contained above.