Public perceptions and lightning safety education in Sri Lanka

Lightning hazard mitigation in Uganda

“…As per the information presented in Jayaratne and Gomes [29], irrespective of these programs, lightning casualties in Sri Lanka show an upward trend. Surprisingly their survey reveals that the level of awareness and knowledge on both lightning safety and protection among the general public and engineering community in Sri Lanka is extremely high compared with other nations in the region.…”

“…Surprisingly their survey reveals that the level of awareness and knowledge on both lightning safety and protection among the general public and engineering community in Sri Lanka is extremely high compared with other nations in the region. Jayaratne and Gomes [29] attribute the increase in lightning hazards, despite the enhancement of knowledge, to the ignorance of public in adopting safety measures that they are aware of. A majority of subjects of the survey has admitted that they do not follow lightning safety or protection tips that they have learned by various means.…”

“…A majority of subjects of the survey has admitted that they do not follow lightning safety or protection tips that they have learned by various means. Jayaratne and Gomes [29] claims that this observation is due to a cultural drawback of the nation.…”

“…To persuade technical community to adopt proper lightning protection: Availability of lightning protection system may not be sufficient enough for the technical community to adopt them for protection. As per the experience in South Asia [29] even awareness alone is not enough to prevent ignorance due to cultural trends.…”

Prevention of lightning related adverse effects: knowledge, attitudes and practices among residents in Kiriella Medical Officer of Health area

“…Although there is no absolute protection against lightning (11), the risk of lightning is shown to reduce substantially when taking specific precautions (9), such as shelter in a safe enclosed area; avoiding risky places such as tall and isolated objects, water environment and open areas; adopting the crouch position during lightning; and being alert on local weather forecast (2,11). Essential indoor safety measures include avoiding the use of electrical, electronic or telecommunication equipment; and introducing lightning protection equipment such as lightning rod and lightning conductors to decrease the strength of lightning shocks (1).…”