THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Central Meteorological Department has informed that there are chances for moderate rain at isolated places in Kasaragod of Kerala during the next three hours and light rain at isolated places in Thiruvananthapuram, Alappuzha, Kottayam and Ernakulam.

Alert issued
Thunderstorms 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 hesitate to take this precaution as lightning may not always be visible.

Immediately move inside a safe building at the first sign of lightning. Staying in open areas increases the chance of being struck by lightning.

Keep windows and doors closed during periods of strong winds and thunderstorms. Stay away from doors and windows. Stay inside the building and try not to touch the wall or floor as much as possible.

Unplug household appliances. Avoid proximity to medical equipment during thunderstorms.

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

Avoid playing outdoors and on terraces, including children, if the weather is cloudy.

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

Stay inside the vehicle during thunderstorms. 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.

Do not go to the terrace or yard to take clothes when there is a rainstorm or during a thunderstorm.

Tie down objects that are likely to fall over in the wind.

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

Do not go down to catch fish or bathe in water during thunderstorms. As soon as you start seeing clouds, you should stop activities like 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 flying kites

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

Domestic animals should not be tethered 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.

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

Lightning strikes can cause burns, loss of vision, hearing, or heart attacks. 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 being struck by lightning are the golden moments to save lives. Get medical help immediately to the person who has been struck by lightning.