Important to know: what to do during strong winds and hurricanes

The thunderstorm season in Belarus takes place at different times each year, but generally, it begins in the second half of April and ends in early October. Every year, lightning causes damage to farms and residential buildings. It can cause fires, explosions, destruction, and sometimes injuries and deaths.

Lightning is dangerous when thunder follows a flash. In this case, the following safety measures must be taken.

When in an apartment or house in a rural area: close windows, doors, chimneys, and ventilation openings; do not light a stove, as the high-temperature gases exiting the chimney have low resistance; do not talk on the phone.

During lightning strikes, do not go near electrical wiring, lightning rods, roof gutters, or antennas; do not stand near windows; turn off the TV, computer, and other electrical appliances in the house.

If a thunderstorm catches you in the forest, take shelter in a low-growing area. Do not hide near tall trees, especially pines, oaks, or poplars.

If you are on a beach, get out of the water, move away from the shore, and descend from a high place to a low one.

When in a field, if there is no shelter, do not lie on the ground, exposing your entire body to electric current; instead, squat in a hollow, ravine, or other natural depression, hugging your legs with your arms.

If a thunderstorm catches you in a car, do not leave it; close the windows and lower the radio antenna. If you are caught in a thunderstorm on a bicycle or motorcycle, stop moving and wait out the storm at a distance of approximately 30 meters from your vehicle.

Inspector of the Fire and Rescue Unit of the Miory District Department for Emergency Situations O.M. Girzhda