Abilene weekly reflector. [volume] (Abilene, Kan.) 1888-1935, 1899-08-17
NEEDLESS FEAR OF LIGHTNING.
Suffering During n Thunderstorm the
Result Of Imagination.

In the August Century Alexander
McCabe gives encouragement and adj
vice to people who have an excessive
fear of being struck by lightning-or
thunder, as some of them think.
The keen suffering which many I'm.
dergo just in advance of or during a
thunder storm Is of dual nature.
The sense OF impending danger alarms
and terrifes; but there is also de-
preston of spirits which is physical
and real, brought about by some as
yet unknown relation between the
nervous system and conditions of air
pressure, humidity and purity. The
suffering due to depression and par
tial exhaustion requires, from those
who are strong, sympathy rather than
ridicule, The suffering due to alarm
and fright, however, is unnecessary.
1t is largely the work of the imagina-
ton. To nervous nature there is
something appalling in the wicked,
spiteful CLEAN of the lightning and the
crash and tumult of thunder. But
such one should remember that the
flash is almost always far distant, and
that thunder can do no more damage
than the low notes Of church organ.
Counting all the depths from all the
storms during the year, we find that
the chance Of being killed by light
ming is less than one in a hundred
thousand. The risk in the city may
be said to be five times less than in
the country. Dwellers in city houses
may be startled by peals of thunder,
but owing to the great spread Of tin
roofing and fair ground connections
there is very little danger. In the
country, if buildings are adequately
protected, and the momentum of the
flash provided for, the occupants may
feel secure. A good conductor well
grounded is necessary in all isolated
and exposed buildings. Barns, es-
pecially, when lined with green crops,
should have good lightning conduct
ors. The question is often asked, DO
trees protect?" The answer is that
the degree of protection will vary with
the character of the tree and its dis
lance from water course. An oak
is more liable to lightning stroke than
a beach. The character of the wood
the area of LEAKAGE, the extent and
depth of root, will determine the LA
binty to stroke. Another question
which is often asked is whether there
is danger aboard large steamship
during thunder storm. On the con-
trary, there are few safer places. Suf-
ficient metal with proper superficial
area is interposed in the path of tks,
lightning, and its electrical energy
converted into harmless heat and rap
idly dissipated. Accidents occur chief
~ because the victims ignorantly place
themselves in the line of greatest
strain, and thus form part of the path
of discharge. For this reason it is not
wise to stand under trees, near flag
poles or masts, in doorways, on
porches, close to fireplaces or near
barns. Those who are not exposed in
any of these ways may feel reasonably
safe. 1t should be remembered, in the
event of accident, that lightning does
not always kill 1t more often results
in suspended animation than in So
matte death. Therefore, in case of ac-
cident, try to restore animation, keep
the body warm, and send for physi-
clan without delay.