Government Centre for Security

If a storm catches you outdoors:

• Find safe shelter as quickly as possible,
• Avoid standing under trees,
• Avoid open spaces,
• If in an open space, find lower ground if possible (avoid being the highest point) and crouch down (do not sit or lie down) with legs pulled up under you and feet together. Keeping feet together prevents electrical current from flowing between them in case of a lightning strike (due to “step voltage”),
• If swimming or on a boat, get ashore and stay away from the water, as it conducts electricity well,
• Avoid touching metal objects or being near them – metal items can “attract” lightning,
• Stay in your car if you’re traveling, as it provides good protection from lightning,
• Crouch immediately if you feel a static charge in the air or if your hair stands on end,
• People in a group should spread out by tens of meters to ensure that others can help in case of a strike,
• If you see dangling power lines, notify emergency services immediately. Do not approach them under any circumstances.

If you are at home during a storm:

• Avoid using plugged-in electrical and electronic appliances (like hairdryers, mixers, etc.), as these devices can cause electrocution if lightning strikes the power grid,
• Unplug electronic home devices (TVs, computers) to protect them from damage due to surges from lightning strikes on power infrastructure,
• Have a battery-powered flashlight ready in case of a power outage,
• If you see sparking, burnt wires, or smell smoke, turn off electricity and gas and call emergency services immediately.

• Check the overall condition of the victim,
• Check if they are breathing and if there is a detectable pulse,
• If the victim has stopped breathing, start artificial respiration as soon as possible; if there is no pulse, start CPR (chest compressions and rescue breaths).