Flash accidents: Why protection under trees is life -threatening

Flash accidents: Why protection under trees is life -threatening

The dangers of thunderstorms: a wake -up call for society

A tragic event in Lower Saxony has rekindled the discussion about security during storms. A young person lost their lives through a lightning strike while looking for protection under a tree. Unfortunately, these incidents are no exception, but show urgently how important it is to know the dangers and act accordingly when thunderstorms.

myths about lightning strikes: understand reality

Many people believe that they are safe when they are looking for protection under a tree, often based on the popular. Sayings such as "You should give way, you should book, you should search" promote these misunderstandings. Experts like meteorologist Andreas Walter make it clear that there is no safe tree. "It is a myth that some tree species are less dangerous," explains Walter. The actual risk of being hit by a flash remains high regardless of the type of tree.

statistics and real risks: a disproportionate problem

According to the Association of Electrical Engineering Elektrotechnik Information Technology (VDE), there are around seven deaths annually in Germany due to lightning strikes, which illustrates the potential dangers. At the same time, around 120 people are injured, many of them suffer life -long consequences such as nerve damage or memory loss. Thomas Raphael, an expert in this area, indicates that survivors often have to deal with considerable health impairments. 

prevention and sensitization are crucial

In order to avoid such tragedies, it is important that people find out about the weather conditions in good time. "Even the first flash of a thunderstorm can be dangerous. Therefore, you should always keep an eye on the weather before and during outdoor activity," emphasizes Raphael. Many individuals have lost respect for nature violence. This can be seen, among other things, that despite the impending danger, activities outdoors, such as grilling in parks, are still planned.

Community responsibility: Education and Enlightenment

To ensure the security of everyone, the community should work together to raise awareness of these important topics. Schools, clubs and local organizations could introduce programs that educate people about the risks of stabs and the right behaviors. The loss of life due to a lightning strike is not only a tragedy for those affected, but also a call to everyone, not to underestimate the importance of security during weather extremes.

- Nag