5 things NOT to do in a thunderstorm

Image from news.com.au

Now is the time of year for thunderstorms to hit our coasts. The storms in Sydney in 2015 have been headline grabbing in part because of their spectacular photos shared on social media, like the pic above.

What you shouldn’t do in a thunderstorm

Storms can create some dangerous weather, but there’s ways to prepare for adverse weather conditions in Australia and here’s some handy tips on staying safe during a thunderstorm:

1) Stay indoors and don’t drive anywhere. The safest place to be is at home and out of the harsh conditions so stay indoors, if you can.

2) Steer clear of water and away from boats. Water conducts electricity, so being anywhere near water during a thunderstorm is not a smart idea. So, as tempting as it might be for a cooling swim on a sticky, humid summer’s day, if there’s a storm approaching make sure you’re out of the water. If you’re in a boat do your best to dock and disembark if possible.

3) Turn off air conditioners. Power surges during lighting storms can overload compressors. This would be a good time to disconnect any electronics in your home that aren’t surge protected. So, if you don’t want to fry the brains of that expensive computer, unplug it during a storm.

4) Phone lines and metal pipes conduct electricity. Don’t go sticking your fingers in/near any plug or telephone sockets during a storm; probably a policy you should continue even in non-stormy weather periods, but worth mentioning nonetheless!

5) Try not to take shelter in small sheds, under trees or soft-top automobiles. These can be conductors for lighting strikes, so staying in them, whilst protecting you from the rain, will not spare you if lighting strikes.