Navigating storms: essential tips for dealing with adverse weather

The risk of lightning is notably elevated in campsites, where a single lightning strike can generate a voltage funnel that engulfs tents. When faced with a thunderstorm, it is imperative to prioritize your safety above all else. Abandon your tent promptly and seek shelter in a secure environment. Opt for the protection of your car, designed as a Faraday cage, or take refuge in a caravan. If accessible, common toilets or nearby pubs or restaurants can also serve as safe havens during the storm, provided they are not constructed with plastic materials. 

Valuable tips for personal safety:

1. Recognize storm signs: Pay attention to dark clouds, distant thunder, rising winds, and sudden temperature drops, signaling an approaching storm.

2. Avoid electrical devices: During a thunderstorm, refrain from using landline phones or other electrical devices, as lightning can travel through power lines, causing damage or harm.

3. Use mobile phones safely: If indoors and not connected to a power source, it's safer to use mobile phones. Avoid using them outdoors during storms.

4. Seek shelter in enclosed buildings: The safest place during a storm is a large building with lightning conductors. Avoid staying near external walls and windows. Lightning can transfer its charge through pipes and electrical wiring into the ground.

5. Stay away from water: Avoid washing, bathing, or showering during a thunderstorm, as water conducts electricity.

6. Outdoor precautions: Stay clear of open areas, water sources, tall buildings, and metal objects like fences and wires during a storm.

7. Avoid umbrellas and trees: Umbrellas attract lightning, so avoid using them. If forced to seek shelter under a tree, choose the lowest one. Keep your head down, feet together, and stay at least five meters from others. Cover your ears to reduce the risk of hearing impairment.

8. Hailstorm safety: Do not attempt to secure vehicles or protect crops during hailstorms to avoid injuries.

9. Protect yourself from hail: If caught in hail outdoors, shield yourself with a hat for added protection.

10. Beware of wind-blown objects: Stay cautious of objects carried by strong winds during storms.

11. Care for pets: Keep pets indoors during storms for their safety.

12. Avoid mountain trips: Refrain from venturing into mountains when thunderstorms are forecasted.

13. Monitor weather warnings: Stay updated with Environment Agency's weather warnings for severe thunderstorms and storms.

14. Report fires caused by lightning: In case of fires caused by lightning, call 112 and provide incident and location details for prompt assistance from the nearest fire brigade.

15. Monitor radar images: Track cloud movement and rainfall intensity during thunderstorms and hailstorms on the Slovenian Environment Agency's website.

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