THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Central Meteorological Department has informed that in the next three hours there is a possibility of rain accompanied by thunder at isolated places in Pathanamthitta and winds to blow at a speed of 40 km per hour. Along with this, there is a possibility of rain to lash with thunder and lightning at different places in the state and winds to blow at a speed of 30 to 40 km till April 6, said the Central Meteorological Department.

Thunder and lightning are dangerous. They cause great damage to human and animal life, electrical communication networks and appliances connected to electrical conductors. Therefore, the general public should take the following precautions from the time the cloud starts to be seen. Do not avoid taking such precautions because lightning is not visible.

Soon after seeing the first sign of lightning, immediately move to a safe building. Staying in open areas increases the chance of being struck by lightning. Keep windows and doors closed and stay away from doors and windows during periods of strong winds and thunderstorms. Stay inside the building and try not to touch the wall or floor as much as possible.

Unplug household appliances. Avoid proximity to electrical appliances during thunderstorms.

Avoid using the telephone during thunderstorms. It is better to use a mobile phone.

Children should avoid playing outdoors and on terraces if the weather is cloudy.

Do not stand under trees during thunderstorms. Do not park vehicles under trees.

Continue in your vehicle during a thunderstorm. Don't put your legs out. You will be safe inside the vehicle. Avoid traveling on vehicles like bicycles, bikes, tractors during thunderstorms and seek shelter in a safe building until the thunderstorm ends.

Don't go out to the terrace or yard to collect clothes when the clouds are cloudy or during a thunderstorm.

Tie items that fall in the wind.

Avoid bathing during thunderstorms. Also avoid collecting water from taps. Electricity from lightning may travel through pipes.

Do not go down to fish or bathe in water during thunderstorms. As soon as you see clouds, you should stop fishing and boating and try to reach the nearest shore immediately. Do not stand on the deck of a boat during a thunderstorm. Baiting and netting should be suspended during thunderstorms.

Avoid kite flying.

It is dangerous to sit on a terrace or other high place or on a tree branch during a thunderstorm.

Do not tether domestic animals in the open during this time. Do not go when there is a rain cloud to untie them and tie them back securely. This may cause you to experience lightning strikes.

If you are in an open area where you cannot move to a nearby building, roll up like a ball with your feet together and your head between your knees.

Lightning conductors can be placed on top of buildings to protect them from lightning. A surge protector can be fitted for the safety of medical equipment.

A lightning strike can cause burns, loss of vision, hearing, or even a heart attack. It should be understood that there is no electric current in the body of a person who has been struck by lightning. So don't hesitate to give first aid to a person struck by lightning. The first 30 seconds of a lightning strike are the golden moments to save a life. Get medical help immediately to the person struck by lightning.