Lightning itself doesn't "work on" kids; rather, it poses a significant danger to them, just as it does to everyone. The question is better phrased: "How does lightning affect kids?" or "What are the dangers of lightning to kids?". Lightning is a powerful and dangerous natural phenomenon, and understanding its risks is crucial for child safety.
Lightning is a powerful burst of electricity that occurs rapidly during a thunderstorm. It can happen within clouds, between clouds, or from clouds to the ground. About one quarter of lightning strikes are from cloud to ground. Lightning is caused by an unbalanced electrical charge in the atmosphere.
Dangers of Lightning Strikes to Kids
Here's a breakdown of the potential dangers:
- Direct Strike: This is the most dangerous scenario, but also the least common. A direct strike can cause cardiac arrest, burns, and nervous system damage.
- Side Flash: Lightning can strike a nearby object (like a tree) and then "jump" to a person standing nearby.
- Ground Current: When lightning strikes the ground, the electricity spreads outwards through the soil. This ground current can be deadly even some distance away from the strike point.
- Conduction: If a child is touching a metal object (like a fence, playground equipment, or even a metal pipe), the lightning can travel through that object and into their body.
- Streamers: As a thunderstorm approaches, objects on the ground can emit upward-moving electrical discharges (streamers) trying to connect with the downward leader from the cloud. If a person is tall or standing in an open area, they may become the target for these streamers.
Safety Tips for Kids During Thunderstorms
Teach children the following safety rules:
- Go indoors: The best place to be during a thunderstorm is inside a building or a hard-topped vehicle.
- Stay away from water: Avoid swimming pools, lakes, and other bodies of water.
- Avoid metal objects: Stay away from metal fences, playground equipment, and other metallic structures.
- Unplug electronics: Disconnect electronic devices to prevent damage from lightning strikes.
- Wait 30 minutes: After the last thunder, wait at least 30 minutes before going back outside. The storm may still be producing lightning even when it seems to have passed.
- If caught outside: If you can’t get inside, avoid high ground, isolated trees, and metal objects. Crouch down in a ball-like position with your head tucked and hands over your ears.
Summary of Lightning Facts
| Fact | Description |
|---|---|
| Lightning Cause | Unbalanced electrical charge in the atmosphere |
| Strike Types | Cloud-to-ground, within clouds, between clouds |
| Percentage Cloud-to-Ground | Approximately one quarter of strikes |
| Main Danger | Direct strike, side flash, ground current, conduction, streamers |
