Mythbusters: Dispelling the Widespread Myths About Lightning

Nature is extraordinary. A natural phenomenon, lightning is awe-inspiring. Most of the time, thunderstorms loaded with lightning are most common when the weather is warm. Thunderstorms arise when the air is unstable and filled with moisture and warmth.

Famous Myths About Lightning

As we presently understand it, lightning is one of nature’s most destructive forces. Atmospheric discharges can get to numerous kiloamperes throughout a thunderstorm. These discharges can seriously harm people, animals, structures, and even electrical equipment.

The old saying goes, “When thunder roars, get in the house.” But a lot of what we believe we know about lightning is based upon many myths. As a precautionary action, here are some prominent myths and the truth. Knowing the fact about the misconceptions about lightning can make all the difference in your security and well-being.

Myth 1: Your house will always protect you from lightning.

During a thunderstorm, your house is risk-free as long as you stay away from anything that conducts electricity. It’s best to prevent corded phones and other electronic gadgets and metal doors or home windows if you’re following this standard. A thunderstorm’s solid winds can break home windows and shatter the glass, and in particular older houses, lightning can enter through tiny holes on the side of the home windows.

Remember that a rainstorm is a perfect time for mold to grow and spread throughout your house. You must speak to restoration firms that provide mold removal and restoration services to assist in eradicating the mold and mildew immediately.

Myth 2: You can get struck by lightning if you wear metal.

The area of a lightning strike is generally untouched by the presence of metal. The essential elements in identifying whether lightning will strike a specific thing are its height, angular shape, and seclusion (including you). It’s dangerous to be near or touch metal things like a fence if a thunderstorm is nearby. As long as a lightning strike hits simply one area of the wall surface, the metal will be able to conduct electricity and electrocute you.

Myth 3: Lightning can be prevented by installing surge suppressors.

An efficient lightning protection system needs to include surge arresters and suppressors, although they can not safeguard a structure from direct lightning strikes. A lightning protection system should be constructed to shield the whole house.

It is essential to have a lightning security system to shield your residence, but you need to remember that thunderstorms can result in water damage. If you’ve seen a couple of leakages or other water damage in your home, you should speak to a restoration company or visit their website to schedule an appointment. 

Myth 4: A tree can provide adequate shelter during a thunderstorm.

Standing underneath or near a tree is the second most dangerous place throughout a thunderstorm; being outside in an open space is the most harmful area. A confined building with wiring and plumbing is the safest location throughout a storm. It’s essential to remember that nothing can secure you from a lightning strike like a shed, tent, and even a covered porch.

Final Thoughts

Lightning can strike at any moment, so don’t take any chances. Ten thousand individuals will never be stuck again for every million individuals who get stuck. However, it is wiser to stay clear of being among those people. The most excellent means to ensure your household’s safety is to take preventive actions and contact restoration professionals if lightning has harmed your house.