Final answer:
When caught in a flare's light, it is crucial to seek shelter, blackout light from windows, and stay away from open areas to minimize visibility. These actions were historically part of blackout drills during World War II to evade enemy detection, and similar precautions apply for natural phenomena such as solar flares, where minimizing exposure is key.
Step-by-step explanation:
If caught in the light of a ground flare or overhead flare, especially in a situation reminiscent of wartime blackout conditions, specific actions should be taken for safety. On the occurrence of a flare, if you are outdoors, you should find shelter immediately, such as a building or car, and avoid being in open areas where the light can make you a visible target. When indoors, cover windows to prevent light from escaping and making the location visible from the air.
In the historic context of World War II, civilians were instructed to blackout all light to avoid detection by enemy aircraft. This involved covering windows with paint, wood, or heavy draperies and minimizing all external lighting. The use of flares, whether in wartime or due to a natural phenomenon such as a solar flare, requires immediate action to reduce visibility, protect eyesight from intense light, and prevent any associated risks like the setting off of radiation detectors or exposure to heat and blast effects.
During intense solar activities, as might be the case in northern Canada, precautions similar to blackout measures should be taken to minimize exposure to the radiation and magnetic effects, which could include covering electronic equipment and staying indoors to avoid potential increased UV radiation.