Attention, danger to life How to behave correctly during thunderstorms

It is best to be warned early and not get caught in a thunderstorm in the first place. Because then it can quickly become very dangerous. We tell you how to behave correctly.

Days of extreme heat are often followed by the long-awaited cooler weather. But it is also followed by thunder and lightning - and all the dangers that this entails: flying objects, falling trees and lightning strikes. Anyone caught in a thunderstorm is potentially putting their life at risk.

A lot of false information in circulation

Even when the sky is sunny and blue, the weather can change quickly, especially in the mountains. But people can also be surprised by a thunderstorm without warning. Lightning strikes in particular pose an immediate danger. In this case, there are some important rules to follow that can save lives.

These certainly do not include traditional wisdom such as "avoid the oaks, look for the beeches". Unfortunately, there is still a lot of nonsense about rules of conduct in circulation that should not be repeated here. Valuable tips for protection against lightning strikes, on the other hand, are provided by the German Council for Accident Prevention (BFU), which we present here.

1. seek shelter in buildings or cars

The best protection in a storm is a solid building or alternatively a closed car. In buildings without lightning protection for power and supply lines, electrical appliances should be unplugged during thunderstorms and corded telephones should not be used. All windows and doors should also be closed.

2. seek shelter outdoors and crouch down

In the great outdoors, walkers or cyclists should crouch down in hollows, hollow paths, under rocky outcrops or reinforced concrete bridges, clasp their legs and lower their heads.

The distance to other people or bicycles should be at least one meter. According to "Allianz", metal poles can offer protection from a height of three meters and a distance of one meter.

Metal objects such as tools or sports equipment should also be kept as far away as possible. Tents offer no protection.

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3. avoid trees and water

The saying "Avoid oaks, look for beeches" is wrong. High, free-standing trees should always be avoided, as should poles and fences. According to MeteoSwiss, mountain ridges and towers should also be avoided.

Walkers should also crouch down and protect themselves in the forest. The danger is generally lower in the midst of many trees than in open areas. Staying in the water is absolutely taboo.

4. observe the 30-30 rule

If less than 30 seconds pass between lightning and thunder, the thunderstorm is still around ten kilometers away, i.e. very close. It is then advisable to seek shelter. The danger is only averted 30 minutes after the last thunder and lightning.

5. do not enter riverbeds

You should never enter streams and rivers that appear to be dry. This is because they can quickly fill with water during heavy rainfall - there is a danger to life.

6. protect buildings in advance

Basements and other low-lying areas should be protected from water ingress in good time if there is a risk of flooding. In addition, sinkholes and drainage channels should be free of leaves and other debris.

7. adapt your driving style and stop if necessary

Heavy rain can severely impair visibility on the road. Drivers should therefore adapt their driving style. In the event of storms and hail, it is advisable to stop in a parking lot or at the side of the road in a tree-free section and wait.

8. emergency call only in an emergency

Accidents and fires must be reported immediately. However, damage that does not pose an acute danger should only be reported after the storm has passed so that the emergency lines remain free for emergencies during the storm.

9. remain cautious after the thunderstorm

According to MeteoSwiss, caution should be exercised after the thunderstorm, for example with regard to falling branches and bodies of water that have burst their banks. Fallen cables should also not be touched.

Special rules for thunderstorms in the mountains

When there is a thunderstorm, special care is required when planning hikes in the mountains. Mara Zenhäusern from the BFU emphasized to blue News how important it is to have an escape route: "It's better not to plan tours with long sections over an exposed ridge without a place to retreat. Instead, perhaps shorter tours where you can easily turn back or fall back on another plan B."

Some special rules apply depending on where those affected are currently traveling or what activities they are pursuing. You can find out exactly what these are in our article on correct behavior during thunderstorms in the mountains.

Thunderstorms in the mountainsYou should pay attention to this when hiking