Although the numbers say that statistically there is not much chance of being struck by lightning, the latest incident at Falakro in Drama reminds us that there is always a risk of this happening, as it happened some years ago with a local league football player in Evia.
Statistically, therefore, the chance of being struck by lightning is infinitesimal, namely only one in a million. Moreover, out of every ten people who have the misfortune to be struck by lightning, only one will eventually end up.
However, the general guideline on how to react when one realises that a thunderstorm is about to break out is to rush to shelter in a building. And by building we mean normal and complete structures and not a shed or something similar.
That's because when lightning strikes it, then all that energy is channeled through the plumbing and wiring to ground rods which then direct it to earth, providing what we call grounding.
Even if we are at home, we should avoid balconies, terraces, windows and using taps or appliances with wires, for obvious reasons.
If we are away from home, our car can provide a solution, but with two conditions. Firstly, in order to be completely protected, one must not touch the side of the door, since if one makes the mistake of touching it, one puts oneself in danger, and secondly, one must wait at least 30 minutes before leaving it.
Obviously we must avoid open spaces, heights and especially trees at all costs, despite the fact that we very often see people seeking shelter making this basic mistake that can be fatal to their lives.
Finally, although there are many who long to swim in the sea accompanied by rain, classifying this experience as special, they too are actually pushing their luck. Experts say that not only should they get out of the water but also move at least 100 meters away from the shore.
