Lightning Hazard in Subang

Dear Residents,

As you are aware, we have been experiencing very heavy storms in the last few weeks especially. In these instances, it has caused us a lot of inconveniences such as jams, clothes not able to be dried in the sun, not able to carry out our outdoor activities, etc. The storm has also given the bad guys a chance to commit more crimes as the storm can easily mask their presence.

But the worst is when the hazards of lightning compromises our safety and in a recent case, caused a tragic end to a young man's life.

Hence, we need to start thinking about this seriously and not to take our personal safety for granted. For a start, avoid going out in open space when there is a storm.

And in our houses, we may have to take additional precautions such as unplugging as many of our electrical appliacnes as possible. We can also ensure installing additional protection such as lightning protectors and surge control devices.

Also, you might want to think about taking up an insurance policy to cover all your household items in case lightning do strike your homes and in the process damage some of your household appliances.

Anyway, I am attaching the report of this tragedy that happened a few days ago in our area. If I can recollect correctly, this is the second incident in Subang in the last few years so please take care not to move around in the open when there is a storm especially during heavy thunder and lightning.

Editor

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From The Star

Tuesday December 8, 2009
College student struck by lightning


SUBANG JAYA: A college student who was trying to take cover from a downpour was killed when he was struck by lightning while running to his car in USJ 2/11, near here.

Tan Han Yim, 20, a mass communications student from a college in Subang Jaya, was playing basketball with his friends when it started to rain.

He died on the spot from burns to his chest and face.

In the 5.30pm incident on Sunday, Han Yim and a few friends were running to his car which was parked about 10m from the basketball court.

Han Yim, who was struck as he was running past a tree, was rushed to the Subang Jaya Medical Centre but was pronounced dead on arrival.

Subang Jaya district police chief Asst Comm Zainal Rashid Abu Bakar, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

At the Gui Yuan crematorium in Petaling Jaya last night, Han Yim’s father said parents should stop their children from playing basketball during the current rainy season.

“I have advised Han Yim many times not to play basketball in the rain.

“He was very alert because when it started raining he ran back to his car,” he said, adding that unfortunately his son was struck as he was running to take shelter.