- Lightning can be dangerous.Lightning image by Justin Pirtle from Fotolia.com
One of the dangers present in the world is lightning. Lightning and thunder storms are often fascinating, and children may not be aware of the impending danger. Children can be struck by lightning while playing outside, or even through the window in their own home. Educate your children on the dangers of lightning so that they know how to keep themselves safe. - Teach your children the 30-30 rule to help them gauge when lightning is a danger. If they are outside playing and they see lightning, they should start counting to 30. If they hear a thunderclap before they reach the number 30, that means the lightning is close enough to be dangerous. The children should go inside and stay there until the threat is over. Usually, that is 30 minutes after thunder and lightning are over.
- Sometimes a child might be caught outside, away from home, during a lightning storm. Teach your child what to do when he can't get home and the lightning is close enough to pose a danger. Tell him to avoid any water sources, such as rivers, streams or even deep mud puddles. He should also avoid high ground, because lightning is attracted to the tallest objects around. Tell your child to lie flat on the ground, in an indentation or slope in the ground, if possible. Trying to run home is a bad idea, so he should just lie there and wait it out.
- Just because you are inside does not mean you are completely safe from lightning. So teach your child how to be safe from lightning while in her home. Because lightning can affect your home's electrical wiring system, tell her not to use appliances or the telephone during a storm. Lightning also can strike someone through the plumbing system, so it's best to wait to take a shower or bath until after the lightning storm is over. Additionally, lightning can strike through windows and some doors, so the child should know to stay in an inner room throughout the storm.
- Sometimes it can be difficult for a child to understand why lightning is so dangerous. If you are having trouble getting through to your child, or if you think she simply does not understand, try using some training materials. Check out the National Weather Service's website or the website for the Federal Emergency Management Agency for information directed at children.
