Along with heavy rain, thunderstorms and lightning are expected in several parts of the state. The Kerala State Disaster Management Authority has reminded residents that lightning can pose a serious threat to both people and animals and may also damage electrical appliances.
Key safety precautions include:
Move indoors immediately at the first sign of lightning or dark thunderclouds.
Avoid open fields, rooftops, terraces, hilltops, and tall trees during thunderstorms.
Disconnect electrical appliances and keep doors and windows closed.
Avoid using wired telephones and stay away from metal objects and electrical equipment.
Refrain from bathing or entering water bodies during lightning activity.
If caught outdoors, crouch low with your feet together instead of lying flat on the ground.
Stay inside vehicles without touching metal surfaces if you cannot reach shelter.
Do not fly kites or collect clothes from outdoor clotheslines during thunderstorms.
Consider installing lightning arresters and surge protectors to safeguard buildings and electronic devices.
Officials also reminded the public that a person struck by lightning does not retain an electric charge. Immediate first aid can significantly improve survival chances, making the first few moments after a lightning strike especially critical.