Rain Alert for Three Districts, Thunderstorm Safety Guidelines Issued

Thiruvananthapuram: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has forecast rain in three districts in Keralam over the next three hours. Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod are likely to receive moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms and strong winds gusting up to 40 kmph at isolated places.

Light rain is also likely at isolated places in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Alappuzha, Malappuram and Wayanad, the IMD said.

Thunderstorm safety guidelines

Thunderstorms can be dangerous, posing serious risks to human and animal life, power and communication networks, and electrical appliances connected to power lines. The public should take the following precautions as soon as dark clouds begin to appear. Thunderstorms may not always be visible, so these precautions should not be ignored.

1. Move indoors immediately at the first sign of lightning. Remaining in open areas increases the risk of being struck.

2. Close doors and windows when strong winds and thunderstorms are expected. Stay away from doors and windows, remain inside the building and avoid touching walls or floors as far as possible.

3. Disconnect electrical appliances from the power supply and avoid contact with electrical equipment during thunderstorms.

4. Avoid using landline telephones during thunderstorms. Mobile phones can be used.

5. Avoid playing in open spaces or on terraces, including by children, when the sky is overcast.

6. Do not stand under trees during thunderstorms or park vehicles beneath them.

7. If you are in a vehicle, remain inside and keep your hands and feet within it. Avoid travelling on bicycles, motorcycles and tractors during thunderstorms. Seek shelter in a safe building until the storm passes.

8. Do not go to the terrace or courtyard to collect drying clothes when thunderstorms are approaching.

9. Secure objects that could be blown away or toppled by strong winds.

10. Avoid bathing and collecting water from taps during thunderstorms, as lightning-related electrical currents may travel through pipes.

11. Do not enter water bodies to fish or bathe during thunderstorms. When dark clouds begin to form, stop fishing, boating and similar activities and head towards the nearest shore. Do not stand on a boat's deck, fish with a rod or cast nets during a thunderstorm.

12. Avoid flying kites.

13. Sitting on terraces, elevated places or tree branches during thunderstorms is dangerous.

14. Do not tether domestic animals in open areas during thunderstorms. Avoid going outside to untie or move them once storm clouds appear, as this could expose you to lightning.

15. If you are in an open area and cannot reach a nearby building, crouch low with your feet together, your head tucked between your knees and your body curled into a ball.

16. Lightning protection conductors can be installed on buildings for protection against lightning strikes. Surge protectors can be fitted to safeguard electrical appliances.

17. Lightning strikes can cause burns, loss of vision or hearing, and even cardiac arrest. A person struck by lightning does not retain an electrical charge, so do not hesitate to provide first aid. The first 30 seconds after a lightning strike are crucial for saving a life. Seek medical assistance for the affected person immediately.