By Sue-Ann Wayow
IN case you may not be aware, today (Wednesday, June 28, 2023) is International Lightning Safety Day.
The Caribbean Meteorological Organization issued some tips to help citizens better prepare for lightning strikes which the Trinidad and Tobago Meteorological Service (TTMS) shared on its social media pages.
They are:
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Stay indoors, avoid open spaces- Seek sturdy building or hard-top vehicles with windows rolled up. Avoid balconies, porches, open garages or car ports.
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Avoid isolated tall trees- if you are stuck outside, try to avoid tall trees as lightning often hits the highest point.
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If far from safe shelter, crouch down in a ball-like position with your head tucked and hands over your ears with minimal contact with the ground.
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Listen to the weather advisory – listen to alerts and advisories of the National Meteorological Service and Disaster Management Agencies. Postpone travel plans if advisory warns of thunderstorms or lightning.
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Avoid water- avoid contact with water during lightning. Get out of and away from bodies of water. Postpone bathing, washing dishes etc…Lightning can travel through plumbing.
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Use only cellular, cordless phones – Avoid using electronic equipment of all types. Lightning can travel through electrical systems such as radio reception systems. It is however, safe to use cordless or cellular phones.
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Avoid concrete floors and walls. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
On Wednesday, the Trinidad and Tobago Electricity Commission (T&TEC) said that severe lightning activity and heavy winds resulted in lightning strikes and falling trees which damaged overhead lines and some poles causing power outages.
The Ministry of Rural Development and Local Government also reported 50 floods in various corporations, five fallen trees, one landslide and 16 reports of roof damage for Tuesday.
