Cooler nights ahead: Refreshing showers to sweep across southern Kerala tonight

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The India Meteorological Department (IMD) has issued a rain warning for several districts in Kerala tonight. According to the latest bulletin, light to moderate rain accompanied by thunderstorms is expected at isolated locations in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Idukki, Ernakulam, and Palakkad over the next three hours. Additionally, isolated light rain is likely in Thrissur district.

Cautionary advice

When thunderstorms approach, safety depends on quick action. Lightning is unpredictable and can strike even before rain begins.

Below is an organised and fact-checked guide to staying safe, categorised by your environment.

1. Immediate Indoor Safety

• Seek Shelter: Move into a sturdy, fully enclosed building at the first sign of lightning or thunder. Avoid open structures like carports or sheds.
• Secure the House: Close all windows and doors. Stay away from them, as glass can shatter or lightning can travel through frames.
• Avoid Conductors: Do not touch concrete walls or floors, as lightning can travel through the metal wire or mesh inside them.
• Water Safety: Avoid bathing, showering, or washing dishes. Lightning can travel through plumbing; stay away from taps and pipes.
• Electronics: Unplug sensitive household appliances. Avoid using corded phones; however, mobile phones and cordless phones are safe to use.

2. Outdoor and Vehicle Safety

• Avoid High Ground: Do not stand on terraces, rooftops, or hills. Avoid flying kites or playing in open fields.
• Stay Away from Trees: Never seek shelter under a tree. If a tree is struck, the electricity can jump to you (side flash) or travel through the ground.
• Vehicle Protocol: If you are in a car, stay inside with the windows rolled up. Do not lean against the metal doors. Note: Bicycles, motorcycles, and open-top tractors do not provide protection; seek a building instead.
• Secure Objects: Tie down or bring inside any loose outdoor objects (like patio furniture) that could be caught in high winds.

3. Water-Related Risks

• Exit the Water: If you are swimming, fishing, or boating, head to shore immediately at the first sign of dark clouds.
• On a Boat: If you cannot reach shore, stay off the deck and avoid touching any metal components or masts. Stop all fishing and netting activities.

4. Protecting Pets and Animals

• Bring Pets Inside: Do not leave animals tied up in the open.
• Act Early: Move animals to a safe shelter before the storm hits. Do not go out into an active lightning storm to untie them, as this puts you at high risk.

5. Survival Tactics (The Last Resort)

• The "Lightning Crouch": If caught in an open area with no shelter, minimise your contact with the ground. Crouch down like a ball with your feet together, head tucked, and hands over your ears. Do not lie flat on the ground.
• Protecting Property: Install lightning rods (conductors) on buildings and surge protectors on electrical panels to mitigate equipment damage.

6. First Aid for Lightning Victims

• It is Safe to Touch: Victims do not carry an electrical charge. You can provide CPR or first aid immediately without risk of being shocked.
• The Golden Hour: The first few minutes are critical. Check for breathing and a pulse. Lightning often causes cardiac arrest or burns; call for emergency medical help immediately.