THE death of a man due to lightning in Penang recently shows that such unfortunate incidents can occur even at night.
The victim was reportedly waiting for a boat along the beach during a thunderstorm when he was struck by lightning.
The incident highlights the need for us to take shelter in a lightning-safe building or a metal-topped vehicle when the first roll of thunder is heard.
Since the sun is over the peninsula, we can expect more thunderstorms due to the increased atmospheric moisture generated by heat.
The public should follow lightning safety rules to keep themselves safe.
Since the rules were introduced more than a dozen years ago, they have reduced the annual reported lightning fatalities in the country.
STOP all outdoor activities and seek shelter as soon as you see dark thunder clouds on the horizon or over the hill;
RUN to a shelter when you hear thunder or see a lightning bolt as you are in danger of being struck by lightning;
DO not wait for the rain to fall before you act. Sometimes, lightning occurs even before the rain starts to fall;
NEVER use an umbrella during a lightning storm;
DO not take shelter under a tree, tent, shed, kongsi, rotunda or roadside food stall.
As for small shelters, ensure that they are installed with a proper lightning protection system before you take shelter in them;
DO take shelter inside a sturdy or large building (shop or house), a metal-roofed vehicle (bus, van or car) or under a large structure (bridge).
DO not loiter outside a large building to avoid being struck by debris from lightning damage;
IF there is no proper shelter nearby, get down from an elevated position (for example, mound, hilltop or platform). Get into any depression in the ground or in a dry drain;
GET into a lightning defensive position, that is to 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 (for example, fence and gate) near you;
IF it rains, get your clothes wet because wet clothing reduces serious injuries. Let the current flow over you instead of through you;
INSIDE a shelter, do not touch any metallic object, electric equipment or cable. Do not use the telephone unless it is urgent. Use a mobile phone instead (if available).
Keep away from the balcony, verandah, doorway, window, wall or pillar; and,
STAY inside the shelter for 30 minutes after the last thunder is heard. Lightning can strike up to 15km from the thunderclouds, even after the rain has stopped.
HARTONO ZAINAL ABIDIN
Lightning expert, Kuala Lumpur