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    23 April 2012| last updated at 07:35AM

    LIGHTNING: Staying indoors is the best guarantee

    By Mohd Faizal Abdullah, Kuala Lumpur

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    TWO students of SMK Seksyen 16 Shah Alam, Selangor, were struck by lightning when they were on a field ("Schoolboy killed by lightning, friend hurt" --NST, April 4). The two were in a group at Padang A of Universiti Putra Malaysia, Serdang, when lightning struck.

    It is common sense not to stand in an open area, for example, a football field, before or after a downpour, for fear of being struck by lightning.

    One of the students died at Serdang Hospital while the other was admitted to the same hospital in a semi-critical condition.

    A few days later, 15 students of SMK St Francis, Malacca, suffered injuries after they were struck by lightning during a thunderstorm ("15 teens hit by lightning" -- NST, April 9).

    They were taking part in a training camp organised by the Ma-laysian United Cadets Association in Pengkalan Badak, Bukit Katil.

    During the thunderstorm, they were inside their tents but ran out to seek shelter at the main tent when the storm worsened. This was when they were struck by lightning.

    The key is that we all should be indoors when there is lightning and thunder, even when it is not raining. The organisers should have reminded the students about the dangers of a lightning strike outdoors.

    School heads and teachers should emphasise the importance of lightning safety and awareness. Parents should do the same.

    Adults should also be aware of the risks of being in the open during thunderstorms.

    This is the rainy season and what better time than now for students to learn the dos and don'ts of thunderstorms.

    Let them read the letter from H. Zahar on tips to follow during lightning and thunderstorms ("Do not ignore safety rules" --NST, March 13).

    Zahar listed 10 tips on before, during and after a lightning storm when engaging in outdoor activities. We should heed his advice.

    All of us should know the dos and don’ts before, during and after a thunderstorm.

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