With monsoon-related weather posing a risk to life and property, Collector S. Kandasamy issued an advisory urging the public to follow safety precautions during thunderstorms and lightning strikes.

In a press release, the Collector said people should immediately stop outdoor activities on hearing thunder and move to a safe building or enclosed vehicle. They should avoid open fields, rooftops, boats and other exposed locations, and remain indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last thunderclap. The advisory cautioned against taking shelter under trees and urged people to stay away from bus shelters, sheds, metal-roofed structures, hilltops, riverbanks, waterbodies, metal fences, poles, gates, and power lines during thunderstorms.

If shelter is unavailable, people should crouch with their feet together, avoid lying flat on the ground and refrain from placing their hands on the ground. Those in groups should maintain adequate distance from one another.

The Collector also advised residents to stay away from windows, doors, balconies and verandas during lightning activity, avoid using taps, showers and other plumbing fixtures, and disconnect electrical appliances. Motorists have been advised to remain inside their vehicles with the windows closed.

The release noted that a person struck by lightning does not retain an electrical charge and can be safely touched. Such persons should be moved to a safe place, their breathing and pulse checked, and emergency medical assistance sought immediately. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) should be administered if required.

The public has been urged to follow official weather forecasts and alerts, avoid outdoor work when thunderstorms are predicted, move livestock and poultry to safe shelters, and trim weak tree branches around homes. The Collector also advised people to remain vigilant after storms and immediately report fallen power lines and damaged electricity poles to the authorities.