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Canoeing on Kashubia Worth knowing!!!

Storm not only on canoeing, part 2

When a storm catches us in the open

If there is a building nearby, it is worth sheltering in it. The worst idea is to hide under control, electric poles or high unstable constructions. Lightning, if you have already hit the tallest object, so hiding under a tree or tall structure exposed to various operations.

Being in the middle of nowhere, it may be my highest object, so it’s best to hide in a row, hollow or squat on the ground, keep your legs close together. We did not think that we were on earth or sitting on it, unless we isolated ourselves from the ground with some material that does not conduct electricity. It is best if we have the opportunity to hide under the bridge overpass or other any structure. If there is nothing nearby, we squat on the ground, at a distance of at least two higher lower than the nearest trees.

Remember not to touch the metal elements, e.g. fishing rod or golf club, etc. (carbon fiber, most often made of rods for a perfect conductor). Categorically do not use during the storm stay on the water, in the event of adverse weather conditions, let go during the storm. Further kayaking, sailing or fishing. In the near future, hit the shore as soon as possible and leave the boat or kayak. It’s best when we take refuge before it starts to rain. When we are more people, it is better to be distracted than to stand in a tight group. If you already have to move somewhere we do slowly in small steps, we do not run. The closer you keep your legs, which are the smaller the failures of the paralysis by the crotch steps that are fatal to us.

A storm when you are in the car

Strong gusts of wind can cause us to lose control of the vehicle, so it’s better to stop it. Just like when we are in the open, we avoid standing under trees, power poles, advertising billboards or tall constructions. Even if the lightning does not hit them, strong wind can knock down thick branches on the car, immobilizing or destroying our vehicle.

We stop on the side of the road or in a car park away from trees, ideally when it is underground or covered parking. The storm is often accompanied by hail that is ruthless to the body of our car.

The car is a relatively safe place creates the so-called “Faraday cage” and provides us with safety even when lightning strikes the car. Electricity will flow down the body without penetrating inside. However, remember to close the windows in the car and do not touch the metal parts, especially the body. If we do not have a building nearby in which we can take refuge, it is better to stay in the car than to leave it.

When standing on the side of the road, do not forget to turn on the hazard lights so that they are visible to other oncoming vehicles, which due to rain or hail may have limited visibility.

Temporary calming down the storm does not have to mean the end of the storm, we can feel safe when about 30 minutes have passed since the last thunder and during this time there are no other signs of a storm.

First aid during lightning

When we are lightning strike worlds, we check whether the victim is breathing and call for help. When breathing, we put such a person in a safe side position and cover them with something warm. We cover all burn wounds with a sterile dressing.

If the victim is not breathing, we use CPR, i.e. cardiopulmonary resuscitation. Remember to call for medical help or appoint someone to call for it before you start CPR. It’s best to have a specific person. It is much more effective when we indicate by hand that you in a red coat call for help after making sure that the person realizes that we are talking to her than calling, “somebody call an ambulance …”.

It is very important to call the emergency services first, especially when we are alone, because after a few minutes of conducting the rescue operation alone we will simply lose our strength and then it may be too late to call for help, and so before we start the rescue operation the ambulance will be in road and there is a good chance that a qualified lifeguard will take over the rescue operation for us.

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