LIGHTNING SAFETY

LIGHTNING IN MALAYSIA

Malaysia has a high thunderstorm frequency and we experience an average of 204 lightning days per annum. Lying near the Equator, the weather is hot and humid almost all year round. These occur in two peaks period in April and November. According to Richard Kithil Jr, the chairman of the US National Lightning Safety Institute, during his talk at an event organized by UPM (Universiti Putra Malaysia)’s CELP (Centre of Excellence on Lightning Protection), Malaysia records the second highest number of lightning strikes in the world!

Top Cities in Malaysia with the Highest Lightning Days Per Annum

1 KLIA Sepang 321 lightning days
2 Bayan Lepas 258 lightning days
3 Sitiawan 257 lightning days
4 Kuching 237 lightning days
5 Malacca 234 lightning days
6 Subang 229 lightning days
Source – Meteorological Department, Malaysia. (http://www.met.gov.my)

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO DURING THUNDERSTORM
OUTDOORS

• Avoid High Ground, Open Spaces, All Metal Objects, Electrical Appliances, Canopies, Trees.
• If Possible Shelter in a Substantial Building or Car, Van With Windows Completely Shut.
• Crouch Down, Put Feet Together, Place Hands over Ears. (REMEMBER, DO NOT LIE FLAT ON THE GROUND)

INDOORS

• Avoid Water Tap, Near Doors or Windows.
• Turn Off Electric Appliances
• Pull Out TV Antenna Socket
• Don’t Use Telephone

SAFE LOCATIONS

• No place is absolutely safe from lightning. Ideally, evacuation to a lightning certified or lightning protected building is the best when available; however, this will probably not be the case. THEN…Large enclosed structures (substantially constructed buildings).
• Fully enclosed metal vehicles – car, bus, etc. Close windows, Keep hands on lap. (It’s not the rubber tires that make a vehicle safe – it’s the metal enclosure.)
• Take shelter under a small tree among several large ones if possible. Stay at least six feet away from the tree trunk to minimize a side strike and step voltage. NEVER stand under an isolated tree.

PREDICT THE DISTANCE

• “30 / 30 Rule”
• If 30 Secs Or Less “Flash To Bang”- Seek Shelter

COMMON MISCONCEPTION

• 1 second = 1 mile ACTUALLY 5 seconds = 1 mile (1.6Km)
• Wait 30 Min After Last Lightning, Before Leaving Shelter