Lifestyle

Here’s Why It’s Dangerous Staying Under a Tree During a Thunderstorm

2016-10-14 , 3:26 pm

Last Updated on 2022-09-14 , 3:50 pm

Your parents probably taught you that during a thunderstorm, never ever stand under a tree. Here’s why.

During a thunderstorm, lightning is seen very frequently and it normally strikes the tallest object. As the electricity current move down the tree, it’ll also strike the person who’s under the tree.

If you didn’t know, water is a good conductor of electricity – and the person who’s seeking shelter under the tree is most likely to be soaked, so a subsidiary strike connects to the top of the person and travels to the ground that way, possibly killing both the tree and the person.

Even if you’re lucky enough to somehow avoid the current, once the tree is hit by lightning, it is likely to come crashing down on you.

So what is the right thing to do during a thunderstorm?

Seek shelter immediately. It’s relatively easy; shelters can be found almost anywhere in Singapore wherever you may be.

If you’re at home, stay away from windows and keep them closed. Do not touch anything metal or electrical.

If you’re out in the open, crouch down. Lightning is less likely to strike you when there are other objects which are taller than you. Also, stay away from isolated objects such as trees and light posts.

Also, stay away from water. If you’re swimming, get out of the pool immediately. As mentioned earlier, water is a great conductor of electricity. You are no electric eel!

Do not stick together closely with a crowd. This is because in the event one person is unfortunately struck by lightning, the current is likely to move to the person next to them.

Although in Singapore, we rarely encounter serious thunderstorms, it is always better to be equipped with the knowledge if you are ever caught in a thunderstorm – better safe than sorry as always.

Featured Image: Sergey Nivens / Shutterstock.com

Here’s Why It’s Dangerous Staying Under a Tree During a Thunderstorm

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