Extreme weather, such as summer storms, poses a serious threat to our safety. These storms can appear suddenly and bring with them dangerous phenomena such as lightning, hail, strong winds, and heavy rainfall. In this article, we will discuss the protective measures we can take in such situations and where we can shelter if caught in a summer storm.
Monitor the Weather Forecast
The first step to protect yourself from extreme weather is to stay informed. Monitor the weather forecast using specialized apps, websites, or through radio and television. Weather alerts are essential to know when a storm is approaching.
Prepare an Emergency Kit
It is advisable to have an emergency kit on hand that includes:
Flashlight and spare batteries
Drinking water and non-perishable food
First aid kit
Portable charger for your mobile phone
Identify Safe Shelters
If you are at home:
Stay indoors and avoid going outside until the storm subsides.
Close all windows and doors.
Stay away from windows, doors, and exterior walls.
Shelter in an interior room on the lowest level of the house (preferably a basement).
If you are outdoors:
Seek shelter in a sturdy building as quickly as possible.
Avoid sheltering under trees, as they can be struck by lightning or toppled by strong winds.
If a building is not available, seek shelter in a car. Close the windows and avoid touching metal parts.
If you are in water:
Immediately get out of the water and seek shelter on land. Water is an excellent conductor of electricity, and lightning poses a major risk.
Behavior During the Storm
If indoors, stay away from windows and avoid using electrical equipment.
If in a car, remain inside, close the windows, and avoid touching metal parts.
Avoid sitting or lying on the ground, as lightning can pass through the ground and cause injuries.
After the Storm
Wait a few minutes after the storm seems to have passed, as lightning can still occur even after the rain stops.
Check for damage and avoid areas where fallen power lines are present.
If there are injured individuals, provide first aid and call emergency services.
Extreme weather, including summer storms, can be unpredictable and dangerous. With proper preparation and knowledge of appropriate safety measures, risks can be significantly reduced. Stay informed, be prepared, and know where to shelter to protect yourself and your property during a storm.
Why Extreme Weather in Europe?
Europe is increasingly facing extreme weather events such as heatwaves, floods, violent storms, and drought episodes. These phenomena can have devastating consequences on communities, infrastructure, and the economy. To understand why these extreme events occur, it’s essential to analyze the climatic and atmospheric factors involved, as well as the impact of human activities on the environment.
Climate Change
One of the primary causes of extreme weather in Europe is global climate change. This is the result of accumulating greenhouse gases such as carbon dioxide (CO2) and methane (CH4) in the atmosphere. These gases contribute to global warming, which has multiple effects on regional climates:
Heatwaves: Increasing average temperatures lead to prolonged periods of intense heat, affecting human health and agriculture.
Changes in precipitation patterns: Global warming affects atmospheric circulation and precipitation cycles, leading to floods and droughts in different regions.
Atmospheric Circulation
Europe is influenced by several atmospheric circulation systems that can cause extreme weather:
Jet stream: This narrow, fast-moving air current at high altitudes influences weather patterns in Europe. Changes in the jet stream can lead to prolonged periods of extreme weather, such as heatwaves or severe storms.
North Atlantic Oscillation (NAO): This affects air circulation in the North Atlantic and can influence weather patterns in Europe, including temperatures and precipitation.
Human Activities
Human activities significantly contribute to climate change and, consequently, to extreme weather:
Greenhouse gas emissions: The burning of fossil fuels for energy, transportation, and industry releases large amounts of CO2 and other greenhouse gases into the atmosphere.
Deforestation: Reduction of forested areas affects Earth’s ability to absorb CO2, exacerbating the effects of climate change.
Urbanization: Rapid urban development creates “urban heat islands,” where temperatures are higher than in rural areas due to asphalt and concrete absorbing and retaining heat.
Natural Variations Impact
Even without human influence, Europe would experience natural climate variations that can contribute to extreme weather:
El Niño and La Niña events: These global climate events can influence weather patterns worldwide, including Europe.
Solar activity: Variations in solar activity can affect Earth’s climate, although their impact is less significant compared to human factors.
Impact of Extreme Weather Events in Europe
Extreme weather events have major consequences for Europe:
Public health: Heatwaves can cause serious health problems, including heatstroke and dehydration.
Agriculture: Droughts and floods affect agricultural production, leading to economic losses and food security issues.
Infrastructure: Storms and floods can cause significant damage to infrastructure, including roads, bridges, and buildings.
Ecosystems: Climate change and extreme weather affect biodiversity and ecological balance.
Extreme weather in Europe is the result of a combination of natural and anthropogenic factors. Climate change, atmospheric influences, and human activities all play a crucial role in the occurrence of these weather phenomena. It is essential to understand these causes to develop effective adaptation and mitigation strategies that protect communities and the environment.
What to Do in Hailstorms?
Hailstorms can be extremely dangerous, causing significant damage to both property and human health. Here are some measures we can take to protect ourselves in the event of a hailstorm:
Before the Storm
Monitor the weather forecast: Stay informed about weather conditions through specialized apps, websites, radio, or television. Weather alerts can warn you of an impending hailstorm.
Prepare your home:
Check and reinforce the roof: Ensure the roof is in good condition and that tiles or other materials are securely fixed.
Shelter your car: If you have a garage or shelter, park your car there to protect it from hail.
Protect windows: If you live in an area prone to hailstorms, consider installing protective blinds or removable panels for windows.
Prepare an emergency kit: Make sure you have a flashlight, spare batteries, drinking water, non-perishable food, a first aid kit, and a portable charger for your mobile phone.
During the Storm
Stay indoors: The safest option is to stay inside a house or a solid building. Stay away from windows, doors, and exterior walls to avoid injuries from glass shards or other debris.
Shelter in a safe place: If you are in a room with windows, move to an interior room, preferably without windows, to minimize the risk of injury.
Protect your pets: Shelter your pets in a safe place inside the house.
Avoid using electrical appliances: Disconnect electrical appliances to prevent problems caused by power fluctuations.
If You Are Outdoors:
Seek shelter immediately: Enter a sturdy building as quickly as possible. If that’s not possible, shelter in a car. Close the windows and sit in the front seats, away from the side windows and windshield.
Protect your head: If you cannot find shelter, use your hands, a piece of clothing, or another object to protect your head from hail.
Avoid trees: Do not shelter under trees, as they can be knocked down by strong winds or attract lightning.
After the Storm
Check for damage: After the storm has subsided, inspect your home, car, and surroundings to assess any damage. Watch out for debris and fallen power lines.
Provide first aid: If you or others are injured, administer necessary first aid and call emergency services if needed.
Document the damage: Photograph and document all damages to report to your insurance company.
Stay alert to subsequent weather conditions: Hailstorms can be followed by other severe weather phenomena. Continue to monitor the weather forecast and follow local authorities’ instructions.
Hailstorms can occur rapidly and cause significant damage. It is essential to be prepared and know how to react to protect your safety and property. By monitoring the weather forecast, preparing your home, and having an emergency plan in place, you can minimize the risks associated with these extreme weather events.
How to Protect Against Lightning When at Home or Driving?
Lightning is a highly dangerous natural phenomenon that can cause fires, electrical damage, and serious injuries. It is essential to know how to protect yourself correctly both when at home and while driving to minimize the risks associated with lightning strikes.
Protection Against Lightning at Home
Stay indoors:
The safest location during a lightning storm is inside a sturdy building.
Avoid going outside until the storm has completely subsided.
Close windows and doors:
Shut all windows and doors to prevent water from entering and reduce the risk of electrocution.
Stay away from conductive objects:
Avoid contact with metal objects, water pipes, electrical cables, and windows.
Do not use electrical devices such as landline phones, computers, or other appliances connected to the socket.
Disconnect electrical appliances:
Unplug all important electrical appliances to prevent damage from power surges.
Use surge protectors for essential devices.
Avoid using water:
Do not use the shower, bathtub, sink, or other water sources, as pipes can conduct lightning.
Shelter in a safe place:
Stay away from windows, doors, and exterior walls.
Take shelter in an interior room, preferably without windows.
Protection Against Lightning While Driving
Stay in the car:
The car provides relatively safe shelter due to the “Faraday cage” effect, which distributes lightning’s electricity over the vehicle’s outer surface.
Close all windows and avoid touching metal parts inside the car.
Stop in a safe location:
If caught in a severe storm while driving, pull over to a safe place away from trees and other objects that could fall.
Do not park under bridges or underpasses, as these can be flooded.
Avoid using electrical appliances:
Do not use a mobile phone connected to a charger or other electronic devices connected to the car’s electrical system.
Wait out the storm safely:
Stay inside the car until the storm passes.
Listen to news and weather alerts to stay informed about the storm’s duration and intensity.
Additional Precautions
Planning and information:
Before heading out, check the weather forecast to avoid areas where storms are forecast.
Find out about safe places where you can take shelter in the event of an unexpected storm.
Safety equipment:
At home, install a lightning protection system to protect the building from direct lightning strikes.
In the car, make sure all safety equipment is functional and have an emergency kit handy.
Education and preparedness:
Be aware of warning signs of a storm (dark sky, distant thunder).
Educate yourself and those around you about the necessary safety measures during a lightning storm.
Lightning poses a significant danger during storms, but with the right precautions, risks can be significantly reduced. Whether you are at home or driving, it is crucial to follow safety advice to protect yourself and loved ones. Stay informed, prepared, and make quick and correct decisions in the face of danger to minimize the impact of lightning strikes.
Source: Consumer Reports