When you hear thunder it is important to note that lightning storms kill more people than both tornadoes and hurricanes combined. Lightning is the #2 storm killer, after floods.
But with lightning, it's not just death you have to worry about. Only 10% of people who are struck by lightening die -- the rest suffer lifelong injury and disability. Some people lose limbs, others are paralyzed, and some people suffer from permanent brain damage.
As soon as a storm approaches, seek shelter The most important thing for you to
remember is that NO place outside is safe. You are much more vulnerable to
lightning if you are outside than if you are inside If a storm comes, don't
take your chances -- get yourself and all children inside as soon as possible.
The best shelter is a well-constructed building, such as a house, school, or other building with metal in its frame. Tents or small shacks do not provide much protection.
If you are not near a house or building, take shelter in your car. Cars are actually very good places to be in lightning storms, as the metal sides will conduct the lightning's electricity away from your body and into the ground.
Once you're inside, be careful not to make any connection with the outside
world. Electricity travels in many ways and it can reach you easily. Never use
a corded telephone in a lightning storm. Stay away from electrical appliances,
light switches, and electric sockets. Do not turn on the faucet or the shower
as the lightning's electricity can travel through the water. Don't go near
windows or doorways. Instead, stay calm in the middle of rooms.
The same rule applies if you are in a car. Sit in the middle of the seat, as far from the windows as possible. Don't touch the steering wheel, ignition, gear shifter, or radio. Electricity could travel through the wiring and into your body.
If you are stuck outside during a lightning, do your best to avoid the most dangerous spots. These include tall objects such as trees and light posts, open areas such as farms and gardens, and all water, including pools, lakes, and the sea.
Natural gas is odorless. However, gas companies add a “rotten egg” smell that can be easily detected when gas leaks. If you smell natural gas at your home, it is important to act quickly:
· Evacuates your house immediately, opening doors and extinguishing any open flames, if possible.
· Do not unplug or plug-in any electrical appliances, or turn off or on any light switches. This can cause a spark that could ignite the gas, causing an explosion.
· Close the gas source if it is reachable, turn off the main breaker as refrigerator and AC (window type), can cause a spark. And be careful with some flashlights, as turning them on may cause a spark too.
· Call, 110 if you leave inside company community or 998 for local fire station. . Operating a telephone in your home can also cause a spark.
To help prevent gas leaks, it is important to make sure your gas appliances are properly installed and kept clean. Annual inspections by a qualified technician also recommended. To reduce a chance of fire, be sure to keep all combustible materials away from furnaces.
For additional peace of mind, an easy-to-install home gas detector unit is recommended especially for the elderly or anyone with a diminished sense of smell.