The Ghana National Fire Service (GNFS) has advised the Ghanaian against the use of silver or other forms of metallic buckets or basins to store rainwater during a downpour.
Divisional Officer Grade II (DOII) Desmond Ackah explained that metal is a good conductor, and although it doesn’t attract lightning, it can carry the current if struck.
According to him, if lightning strikes, the current could travel through the metal and potentially harm anyone in contact.
He has therefore proposed the use of plastic basins or buckets in storing rainwater.
The fire officer was providing some safety precautions to take during the rain to avoid injury.
He advised parents not to let their children bathe in the rain because it poses a significant risk to their safety.
”Parents who let their children bathe in the rain should stop. The risk is that when thunder or lightning strikes, the child or anyone bathing in the rain will be in danger. Some people use metal basins to store rainwater. That’s dangerous. When thunder strikes, the person holding the basin will be in danger, especially if they are barefoot.”
” If you plan to store rainwater, use plastic basins or buckets to avoid danger. ‘Always wear a rubber footwear so that when thunder strikes, it is not a complete conduit for danger,’ he advised.
He also advised the public to stop dumping waste into our drains, as this prevents the water from flowing smoothly.
”Some people dump their waste in our drains. While you dump the waste at point one, it will later cause a problem at point B, so stop disposing of waste indiscriminately.
He advised people living in flood-prone areas to relocate to safer grounds to help protect their lives and property.
By: Rainbowradioonline.com/Ghana
