The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1908-03-19
LIGHTNING DANGERS
Facts Regarding Storms With
Electric Discharges.
ONE SHOULD SHUN

dents fCW-RUClGII 0lpCtSllblp'li
py;ng out-Committee Of British
Scientists Investigate Bolts From
Heaven.
The ancient Romans avoided places
struck by lightning; the houses, If
damaged, were pulled down or fenced
iu. so that no one couIu use the
building on which the gods had set
the mark of their displeasure. This
feeling was probably deepened by the
fact that certain localities are visited
by thunder storms more than others,
the wrath of Jove descending in white
fame time and again in the same
spot. And 1t was the same super
stttion, lingering among Christians in
n slightly different form, which made
IT so difficult for Benjamin Franklin
TO introduce the lightning rod. For
the pious Americans Of that day de-
clared that lit was as impious to cr-
ect rods to ward off Heavens light
ming as for a child to ward off tho
Christening rod of it's father"
Although many of the ancient sup
erstttions are dying out the fears OF
these fiery bolts from heaven is still
deeply implanted in the human heart.
Men and women of high courage VIII
become greatly agitated during a vio-
lent thunder storm. An entire COM
munity will be stirred TO It's depth
through death b. lightning The
current of Martin Luther's life w2s
entirely changed by one Of his dear
est friends meeting with this NV
fu end For these reasons, and be-
cadse the danger is very real one,
the views and theories OF ki.lias-
worth Hedges, secretary OF the Lignt-
ming Research Committee OF the Roy
al Institution of British Architects,
are of interest and value.
To begin with, 1t is encouraging to
learn that, though there were many
injuries and marvellous escapes, there
were only two fatal accidents among
the 500 cases of buildings strnck
which were sent in to the Lightning
Research Committee. Certain pos
itions, however, seem to be much
more dangerous than others during
a storm, and the following sugges-
tions are worthy of careful considera-
tion: Keep as far away as possible
from an open fireplace, for, If the
chimney is struck the CRATE and sur
roundings will almost invariably be
blown out into the room. Do not sit in
a greenhouse or conservatory or take
refuge in barn or alongside of a
haystack. The popular idea that
glass attracts lighting is absurd; in
fact, II one does not mind the glare
of the lightning. there is no evidence
TO show tnat 1t Is unsafe to approach
window.
Fatal accidents generally occur
when people take shelter outside
building. A wet wall often conducts
some of the electricity, and per-
son standing near it provides a good
p?th to eartn. Especial care should
be taken to avoid the proximity of
lightning conductor, and, as any pipes
descending from the roof may act as
conductors, keep as far away from
Them as possible. 1t is well known
that trees are most dangerous, and
Kllingworth Hedges points out that
there is great danger of icing struck
IL one is anywhere under the boughs
IS Nghtn.ng striking a tree disperses
like rain through all its branches,
viii, perhaps, fatal results to per-
sons or animals in the area below.
Trees act, 10 certain extent, aB
lightning rous, so that one is fairly
sate in their neighborhood, If not dir
ec.ly beneath their branches. When
en- trecless plain it is wisest TO lie
down during the height OF storm.
CrGer no circumstances when ex-
lOsed to a violent storm, should one
hold up an umbrella or lead bicy-
Gle. 1t is not that the lightning is
directly attracted by such objects;
Lvt Il fasn on its way to earth gives
out inaUmerable smaller discharges,
50 that to be near any object con-
teiniHg metal, which may be selected
as Offering the best path, is, TO say
the least, unwise. One must also re-
member that n shock which might on
II cause minor injuries II one s
clothes were dry may prove fatal to
person who has been for some time
GU! in the rain. In conclusion
il may be observed that the report
OF the Lightning Research Committee
iepresents not only the results of its
own Investigations, but also includes
the independent opinion OF various
experts and high authorities on the
Continent, including that of the mem
hers of the famous Electrotechnische
Verein. Of Berlin.