Mobile phone users advised to turn off handsets during storms

The Meteorological Department Wednesday warned people to turn off their cell phones while out in the open air during thunderstorms to prevent the risk of lightning strike or short circuit.

"Avoid wearing ornaments made of conductive metal too," the department said in its statement, as tropical storms hit many provinces in the country.

In Kalasin, Jaidee Ponpakdee - a 27-year-old resident died of lightning strike on Tuesday.

"Earlier, a couple also died of the lightning strike and we found a cell phone nearby," Kalasin Governor Kavi Kittisathaporn said yesterday.

He added that three oxen were also hit by lightning on Tuesday as all of them were wearing collars with conductive bells.

"For their own safety, people should be cautions about using communication gadgets while it rains," Kavi said.

The Nation

http://www.nationmultimedia.com/breakingne...newsid=30031102

Ehhhh...

Perhaps standing outside during a lightning storm may have had a small role in the deaths as well hmm. Just a thought.