LETTERS: Deaths due to lightning strikes have been reported in Malaysia over the past two decades.
A recent study (https://f1000research.com/articles/10-921/v2) suggests that public awareness of lightning safety is at a moderate level.
While one may say that the chance of getting hit by lightning is as slim as hitting the jackpot, it is better to be safe than sorry.
According to international standards that outline procedures to reduce lightning risk outside a structure (IEC TR 61713), there are several measures that we should take during thunderstorms.
Firstly, get inside an enclosed building, preferably one that has a lightning protection system. If you are in a building, ensure that the doors and windows are closed and you are far from them.
Avoid open spaces, such as balconies or swimming pools. Stay clear of power lines, or water or metallic gas pipes, and also household electrical appliances. If you are planning to do outdoor activities and the weather forecast says that a thunderstorm is approaching, cancel your plan.
If you are in the middle of nowhere, such as a golf course or agricultural fields, stay away from trees, reduce your effective height and keep your feet close. Your life is at risk within microseconds.
DR SIOW CHUN LIM
Technical committee member of MT20 (Maintenance of IEC TR 62713); IEC TC 81 (Lightning Protection)
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times