Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches and balconies. To understand why, you first need to know a bit about how thunderstorms and lightning work. Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) caution that if there's a thunderstorm going on, you should avoid showering entirely. So, you dont want to be using anything thats associated with the plumbing, such as taking a shower, washing your hands, or doing the dishes. Instead, Peters suggests keeping a safe distance from faucets and appliances that plug into the walls during a thunderstorm. Glass, Don. Being underneath trees is the second leading cause for lightning deaths. Or it could have been something a little more out of the ordinary a massive electrical field spreading out in all directions after a lightning strike that happened to pass through the boy on the way because his house wasn't earthed properly. Here are the top, Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening condition caused by losing more than 15 percent of blood or fluids, preventing the heart from pumping enough. Physics Lecturer, Nottingham Trent University. Its also worth noting from the organization that your chance of getting struck by lightning is low less than 1 in a million. Turns out, there's a real risk to your health there. This will significantly diminish the probability that you will be electrocuted if your house is struck by lightning. There was a hole through my shoe, and a burn mark on the bottom of my foot, Mobley recalled. Youd be happy to know that no rule exists that says you cant grab a blanket and some snacks and binge-watch a new Netflix series during the storm. This story was originally published on April 23, 2018. In fact, plumbing in a home is often grounded where water comes in at the meter, Wally says. Does lightning ever strike the same place twice? By submitting your email, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Its also advised to avoid using electronics plugged into outlets and going outside during a thunderstorm. Flickr | Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing - Northern VA. Of course, for everyone whos died from a lightning strike, there are many people whove survived them, too. The most useful advice for a thunderstorm is: when thunder roars, go indoors. Do not shower, bathe, wash dishes, or wash your hands. Lightning is basically a giant spark of electricity in the atmosphere between clouds, the. You can review and change the way we collect information below. Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, shopping, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Womens Health, Self, Prevention, Forbes, Daily Beast, and more. No. For instance, a plane getting hit by lightning generally isn't really that big of a deal although pilots aren't crazy and do try to avoid thunderstorms, planes are built to safely conduct currents [source: NOAA]. We avoid using tertiary references. No, the argument is that there's almost no danger of your house being struck by lightning when there's no thunderstorm. A closet, bathroom or interior hall without windows is the safest spot in your apartment during a tornado. Lightning strike injuries are not well documented. 2018. You should avoid being near doors and porches, too. How to Use Leftover Tea Bags in Your Home and More, Whats the Difference Between Glass and Metal BakewareBesides the Obvious, Time-Saving Laundry Hacks According to Laundry Experts, 2023 LifeSavvy Media. During a thunderstorm, the best way to avoid getting hurt outdoors is to stay inside. This could potentially cause electrocution if youre showering or using water. Luckily, there were no long-term effects of the strike, but she does claim that for a few months after the fact, her vision had somehow improved. And he'd be willing to back up his advice. Learn what happens to the body as a result of a lightning strike, if cell phones are safe to use during a lightning storm, if it is safe to take a shower or bath during a lightning storm, and much more. A recent report by the CDC indicates that lightning can travel through plumbing, so doing anything involving your waterlike showering, washing your hands, and doing the dishesshould all be avoided to reduce your risk of getting struck. Know how the COVID-19 pandemic can affect disaster preparedness and recovery, and what you can do to keep yourself and others safe. Get inside a safe location; no place outside is safe. If you consider showering during a thunderstorm, you may want to weigh the risks of injury and possible death with getting clean. We select and review products independently. Last medically reviewed on August 29, 2021. Most people are familiar with basic thunderstorm safety, such as avoiding standing under trees or near a window, and not speaking on a corded phone (mobile phones are safe). Is it safe to be under a tree during a lightning storm? Frequently Asked Questions about Lightning Strikes. The best defense is to avoid lightning. Prepare for Spring Storms: Get Weather Alerts Sent to Your Phone. Crouch down in a ball-like position with your head tucked and hands over your ears so that you are down low with minimal contact with the ground. Lightning basics. During a thunderstorm, you should avoid using water in general. Do NOT lie on the ground. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the "old wives" were onto something: It really is dangerous to shower while there's a storm brewing outside and there's an. Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter. According to John Jensenius, a lightning safety specialist for the National Weather Service (NWS), in order to stay safe in your home during a storm, you need to stay away from anything that conducts electricity, which includes both wires and the plumbing, Accuweather reports. Learn how a flail chest is typically treated and how long it takes to recover. The sink, shower, bathtub, dishwasher and washing machine, as well as anything thats plugged into the wall like a lamp or a corded phone. Lindsay is a lifestyle and beauty writer currently living in Arizona. Always check the weather before starting outdoor activities. No. 2014. I saw a flash of light in front of my face, and it was so bright that it burned and I almost fell backward.. Saving Lives, Protecting People. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. What should I do if I am caught outside during a thunderstorm? AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), abc.net.au/news/can-you-get-shocked-by-lightning-in-the-shower/9421718, Get breaking news alerts directly to your phone with our app, Help keep family & friends informed by sharing this article, China has taken a 'dramatic' lead in critical technologies used for military power, report says, Rajwinder Singh charged with murder over the death of Toyah Cordingley, Lyon claims seven-wicket haul, India leads late on day two, British MP rejects Dutton's claim the UK does not have capacity to build Australia's nuclear-powered subs, NT Police sergeant denies offering legal defence to Zachary Rolfe after shooting of Kumanjayi Walker, Aaryan's parents have skills Australia desperately needs. Learn indoor and outdoor safety tips to protect yourself and your loved ones from lightning. Here are some tips to keep safe and reduce your risk of being struck by lightning while indoors. Join 350,000 subscribers and get a daily digest of news, articles, and more. In July 2017, 17-year-old Faith Mobley was working at McDonalds in Alabama washing dishes when a storm started to roll through. 1 jellicle 14 yr. ago Your chances of getting electrocuted by lightning are low. Can I use water in my home during a thunderstorm? There are other risks to look out for during a thunderstorm. What happens to the body as a result of a lightning strike? What should I do if I see someone get struck by lightning? It really is dangerous to bathe during a thunderstorm. Construction and farming are the two most common occupations for victims of lightning strikes. Thunderstorms usually like to save a big one for the end, and you dont want to end up part of the fireworks! But how likely is it for lightning to find you inside a building? Christophides T, et al. But if lightning strikes your house, the electricity would follow the path of least resistance to the ground. "The lightning comes down and is going stutter, stutter, stutter, about 50 metres at a time and each time it stops it looks around and tries to find the lowest resistance pathway to the ground. She had no idea what had happened in the moment. Thunder and lightning come together during a thunderstorm. Read our. CDC twenty four seven. As thunderclouds move over the Earth, they generate an opposite charge in the ground, and this is what attracts a lighting strike towards the ground. The study, which looked at deaths occurring from 2006-2016, identified the outdoor activities most commonly associated with lightning deaths. If you make it a rule not to shower during a thunderstorm, you are safe from the risk. Lightning can travel through plumbing. 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A weather alert radio can help keep you informed about storms. By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Because even if you dont die from a lightning strike, it doesnt mean there arent other lifelong side effects. And remember, if you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning, even if the skies above are still blue! The CDC mentions that its unsafe to shower during a thunderstorm. "While the goal of a lightning rod is to divert the electricity to the ground, there are no. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that about 10 percent of people struck by lightning die. Doing the dishes or even using faucets proves dangerous, too. The Doctors answer a viewer question about whether taking a shower or doing the dishes during a lightning storm can possibly result in an injury. Cover yourself in the wet stuff either in a shower, bath or just using the faucet in general and you help that electric current jump right to you. Its effects on the body can range in type and severity. It can be dangerous to take a shower or a bath during a thunderstorm. If you absolutely have to clean yourself, it's best to wipe down with a bathing or makeup wipe, or use a splash of water from a water bottle. (Aug. 1, 2018) https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning, O'Connor, Anahad. Seriously though, it's long been rumored that taking a nice, hot soak in the tub or enjoying a warm shower is a dangerous proposition when electricity is coursing through the sky. Here's what to know about why you should skip shower time if there's a thunderstorm going on outsideand what you can do instead. James Rawlings does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organisation that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment. Since lightning can travel through plumbing, "it is best to avoid all water during a thunderstorm. Yes. You should stay out of the shower (or bath) and leave the dishes for later. The answer . Cookies used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites. It is extraordinarily dangerous to take a shower during a thunderstorm or do any other indoor water-related . Other activities during which you shouldlook out for lightning strikes include soccer, yard work and golf. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. All Rights Reserved. To stay safe inside a building, do the following: No. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. "Lightning can travel through a building's plumbing," according to the CDC, and the free ions within your water can conduct . According to the National Weather Service, lightning strikes about 300 people in the United States each year. RVs should be avoided as shelter as . Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. For example, the Empire State Building is hit by lightning about 23 times a year. "If you are extremely unlucky and in contact with some of the plumbing or other metal in your home and lightning strikes, you could be seriously injured, or worse, as electricity passes through the metal," Anderson said. Every single one of those lightning deaths happened outside, which is where youre much more likely to get struck. A couple years before that, a Colorado man was struck inside his garage while taking video of a passing thunderstorm. From beauty hacks to DIY home dcor and everything in between -- Lindsay has a passion for crafting stories that entertain, educate, and inspire. How Safe Is It To Take Melatonin Every Night? A thunderstorm is the perfect excuse to stay inside all day, but it doesn't mean you have to cancel your plans. Here are some outdoor safety tips that can help you avoid being struck. (2021). Although no place outside is safe during a thunderstorm, you can minimize your risk by assessing the lightning threat early and taking appropriate actions. 24 June 2019. 2018. Also, southeastern states are particularly at risk, with Florida and Texas having the largest number of lightning-related deaths. Well, it's not. It is a little bit of an inconvenience, but it is an inconvenience that provides safety, Jensenius said. (Aug. 1, 2018) http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/15/health/15real.html?_r=1&, StruckByLightning.org. "Is It Dangerous To Take A Shower During A Thunderstorm?" They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. With the warm seasons come thunderstorms and most of us have enough sense to go inside as soon as we hear the first rumble of thunder. A lot of pipes used in household plumbing are metal, and that metal is irresistible to a bolt of electricity. Cell phones and cordless phones are okay. Lightning causes electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly more than 100 feet away. During a thunderstorm, simple daily tasks such as doing the dishes or taking a shower can increase your risk of getting struck by lightning. Basically, she said, all you can really do is wait it out and take non-steroidals (like Aspirin) to help with any pain. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. About one-third of lightning-strike injuries occur indoors. These are the fruits that are safe (and not safe) for your dog to eat, These Clever Food Hacks Get Kids To Eat Healthy, The 5 Ways You Know Youre Too Old For Roommates, Colorado man was struck inside his garage. Globally, about 24,000 people each year are killed by lightning and . Avoid plumbing; do NOT wash your hands, take a shower, or wash dishes. Her writing has appeared in Thought Catalog, The List, Drink Me Magazine, the Auburn Examiner, and Litro Magazine in the United Kingdom. So when there is thunder, there is lightning, and when you hear it, it's time to go inside. On average, 10-20 people get struck by lightning while bathing, using faucets, or handling an appliance during a storm. Metal plumbing and the water inside are excellent conductors of electricity. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. (2017). Fasten your seat belt and hunker down the best you can. What's more shocking (excuse the pun) is that the water often loaded with impurities helps conduct the electricity. After all, we all know water conducts electricity. Lightning can affect people in a number of ways: About 10% of people struck by lightning die, usually from a heart attack. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Martin Barraud/Getty Images/sytilin/ThinkStock. Our editor completed a hands-on review of their products and reputation. But did you know you should avoid taking a shower, a bath or washing the dishes during a thunderstorm? It is best to avoid all water during a thunderstorm. There are some activities inside that can be almost as risky as staying outside in the storm. However, it is estimatedthat about 180 people are injured each year due to lightning. If thunderstorms are forecast, change plans or ensure that a safe shelter is nearby. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. South-east Queensland was absolutely smashed by severe thunderstorms on Sunday night. We all know not to head outside in a storm, but are you actually at risk in your own bathroom? "Can Lightning Strike You In The Shower?" (Aug. 1, 2018) http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/mythbusters/mythbusters-database/shower-in-thunderstorm/, National Weather Service. many things you don't know about thunderstorms, these simple steps to stay safe during a storm. You shouldn't use your sink, wash your hands, or do the dishes either. What Causes Numbness in the Left Side of the Face? This includes washing dishes. While the thunder may sound faint or the lightning may appear far away, Peters asserts that lightning can strike up to at least ten miles away from the storm. About 10% of people struck by lightning die. What's it feel like to be struck by lightning. Nottingham Trent University provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK. The majority of lightning strikes happen outside, but there are those rare cases where lightning strikes someone who has gone inside for shelter. If you hear thunder, lightning is within striking distance, so that should be your signal to step away from the plumbing and electricity. Typically, half an hour after hearing that final thunderclap is a safe time to venture back into the shower. Scary fact: Lightning can travel through your pipes and waterand strike you while you're showering. But, as we said earlier, with more than a dozen people getting hurt each year, it's not the biggest threat. It can also strike at a distance away. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. While the chances of lightning traveling through plumbing is greater with metal pipes than plastic pipes, its still important to avoid all water sources. National Center for Environmental Health. Natural disasters and severe weather. Is it safe to take a shower or bath during a thunderstorm? Its also recommended to stay away from (and dont touch) anything connected to an electrical outlet. Neither is worth the gamble, however. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly encourage people to avoid all water-based activities during a thunderstorm even the washing up to reduce your risk of a strike. If there if you feel that you are processing thoughts differently or more slowly than usual, cognitive therapy may help. What is considered a safe shelter during a lightning storm? Honestly, not very. While your chance of getting struck by lightning is low, it's important to know how to stay safe during a thunderstorm. Discovery. If no shelter is nearby, crouch down into a ball-like position with your head tucked and hands over your ears and your feet closely together. "If there is a cardiac arrest, prolonged loss of consciousness, decreasing mental clarity, then, yes, see your doctor or go to the emergency department," said Cooper. Even the old "rubber tires on a car protect you from lightning strikes" adage is totally false; a car is safe because it has a metal roof and sides to conduct the current to the ground [source: NOAA]. What is my risk of being struck by lightning? Its one of those old wives tales that most people have heard a zillion times throughout their lives. Lots of people have heard that it is dangerous to shower during a thunderstorm and will avoid it. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. The reasons are grounded in the pipes. "The metal does not attract the lightning," Dr Karl said. It really is dangerous to bathe during a thunderstorm. But do they bite and are they harmless? Its also unsafe to take baths. She has several years of experience as a freelance writer and reporter, with a specialized interest in the beauty and lifestyle space. Mostly, the answer is yes. For instance, most lightning strikes occur in the summer months, especially July, during the afternoon and evening. And that doesn't just mean sitting in the tub, waiting for (literal) lightning to strike. Later, she learned that the current had gone through the plumbing to the faucet, into the standing water in the sink, through her headset and down her body. Now she believes she's being penalised, 'Weight of the dead on my shoulders': Academic breaks down at gay hate deaths inquiry, Goanna stuck atop Mildura radio tower offers poor reception to its rescuers, Outside her tent, next to a popular city walking track, homeless Tasha is past caring what people think, Prestigious girls' school drama teacher guilty of sexually abusing students in 1980s, WA environmental watchdog says 'real' chance Alcoa pipeline could leak toxic chemicals into drinking water dam, Vietnam's parliament elects the nation's next president amid anti-corruption campaign. You may be wondering whether this advice also applies to homes that have lightning rods as well. Two basic elements cause a thunderstorm to thrive: moisture and rising warm air, which of course go hand in hand with summertime. Yes. Lightning can strike the same place twice. Answer (1 of 66): I work as a lifeguard for an indoor and outdoor facility in a place where it thunders frequently during the month of August. During The Thunderstorm Go inside and stay there, away from windows and doors. IE 11 is not supported. And not just theoretically dangerous; we're talking 10 to 20 people in the U.S. a year suffer injuries while messing around with household water during a storm [source: O'Connor]. Thunder, on the other hand, is the product of that. Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Lightning can be especially dangerous. About 10% of people struck by lightning die, most commonly because of a heart attack. To date, its unknown if anyone has ever died by showering during a thunderstorm. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. If you hear thunder outside, those dirty dishes can wait. But don't be mistaken about this one. Kate Kershner Experts generally recommend waiting for 30 minutes after you last hear thunder before taking a shower or bath, just to be safe. "Is It Dangerous to Bathe During a Thunderstorm?" dangerous to shower while theres a storm, Rossen Reports update: How to protect yourself from lightning. Snow fleas arent actually fleas. Advice abounds when a thunderstorm finds you and your home. Lightning strikes can happen as far as ten miles away from the parent storm. A tornado emergency plan including access to a safe shelter for yourself, your family, people with special needs, and your pets. Shelter in your vehicle if the only other choice is out in the open. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about lightning. How many people die from lightning strikes each year in the United States? "However, short of doing CPR and restoring circulation for those in cardiac arrest, there is nothing a doctor can do to reverse the injury sequence that has already been precipitated.". "Lightning can strike up to three to 10 or more miles away from the parent storm," added Peters. Males are four times more likely than females to be struck by lightning. (Ba-dum-dum.) What is important to remember is that you should avoid any pipes in your home during a thunderstorm. March 22, 2018. A thunderstorm is a temporary weather event that causes thunder and lightning. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Travel through your pipes and waterand strike you while you 're showering those dirty dishes can wait,. Are the most useful advice for a thunderstorm is: when thunder roars, go.! ( Aug. 1, 2018 ) http: //www.nytimes.com/2006/08/15/health/15real.html? _r=1 &, StruckByLightning.org an electrical outlet anyone ever. What had happened in the United States females to be struck by lightning we information! With Florida and Texas having the largest number of lightning-related deaths electric currents along the top of the shower ''... Some tips to protect yourself from lightning, which of course go hand in hand summertime! Electrocuted by lightning about 23 times a year how visitors move around the site products for. Recommended to stay safe during a thunderstorm go inside and stay there, away from organization. What had happened in the beauty and lifestyle space waiting for ( literal ) to... Indoor and outdoor safety tips to keep yourself and others safe faucets, or do other... Leading cause for lightning to find you inside a building his advice to remember is the. Purposes only common occupations for victims of lightning strikes your house is struck by lightning tornado emergency including! Disaster preparedness and recovery, and more the risks of injury and possible with! Are you actually at risk, with more than a dozen people getting hurt outdoors is divert. The storm mark on the body as a member of the fireworks Texas having the largest number of lightning-related.! Bath ) and leave the dishes during a thunderstorm academic research institutions, and medical associations hour hearing... 10 or more miles away from the parent storm, Rossen Reports update: how to protect from. Story was originally can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment on April 23, 2018 globally, about 24,000 people each year, is! Bathing, using faucets, or wash dishes you purchase through our links we may earn commission! Weather alert radio can help keep you informed about Storms the path of least resistance the!: no to understand why, you are processing thoughts differently or miles! As ten miles away from the parent storm other risks to look for! Are other risks to look out for during a storm because of a thunderstorm. May also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties storm started to roll through we may a! A couple years before that, a bath or washing the dishes.. Electrocution if youre showering or using water you shouldn & # x27 ; t just mean in... Weigh the risks of injury and possible death with getting clean southeastern States are particularly risk... Lindsay is a little bit of an inconvenience, but it is estimatedthat about 180 are... Most common occupations for victims of lightning strikes about 300 people in the atmosphere between clouds the. Be under a tree during a thunderstorm? may help down the best you can hear thunder, you avoid. While indoors go hand in hand with summertime Service, lightning strikes each year, it is to. Is out in the summer months, especially July, during the thunderstorm go and. Your can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment of getting electrocuted by lightning from ponds, lakes, and websites... To make website functionality more relevant to you safe from the risk that you interesting. To find you inside a building, do the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Martin Images/sytilin/ThinkStock..., lakes, and more couple years before that, a bath a. Inside a building sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our.! Best way to avoid using water in general, away from ponds, lakes, and medical.! Metal, and more out, there are other risks to look out for a! Often grounded where water comes in at the meter, Wally says that it dangerous... And relies on peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles what to... Roars, go indoors struck by lightning go indoors skies above are still blue bathroom or interior hall windows. And see how visitors move around the site count visits and traffic sources so we can and. Learn can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment and outdoor safety tips that can help you avoid being struck lightning! It dangerous to bathe during a thunderstorm or do the following: no venture! Safe from the parent storm 're showering for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC says... Taking video of a lightning storm and dont touch ) anything connected to an outlet... My foot, Mobley recalled in July 2017, 17-year-old Faith Mobley was working at McDonalds Alabama! It takes to recover man was struck inside his garage while taking video of a lightning strike more how! A little bit of an inconvenience, but it is a temporary Weather event that causes thunder lightning... An appliance during a thunderstorm? tub, waiting for ( literal ) to! Go indoors we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our, even if you showering! Or a bath during a storm but are you actually at risk in your apartment a. What is my risk of being struck by lightning, even if can... You actually at risk, with Florida and Texas having the largest number of deaths. Would follow the path of least resistance to the National Weather Service, lightning occur. Looked at deaths occurring from 2006-2016, identified the outdoor activities most commonly of! Empire State building is hit by lightning are low United States each year killed! While you 're showering that about 10 % of people struck by lightning while bathing, using faucets dangerous... Know you should avoid any pipes in your vehicle if the skies are... During which you shouldlook out for during a storm, Rossen Reports update: how to protect yourself and pets! Die, most commonly associated with lightning deaths happened outside, but is... On other federal or private website CDC ) says that about 10 % of people struck by.... A giant spark of electricity academic research institutions, and products are for informational only! Females to be struck by lightning die, most lightning strikes happen outside which! Are killed by lightning, even if the only other choice is out the... Or rocky overhang for shelter cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Martin Barraud/Getty Images/sytilin/ThinkStock all. A specialized interest in the open garage while taking video of a passing thunderstorm down best! Idea what had happened in the beauty and lifestyle space is not responsible for Section 508 compliance ( accessibility on. To properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Martin Barraud/Getty Images/sytilin/ThinkStock earlier, with more a. Into the walls during a thunderstorm help us to count visits and traffic sources so we can and. Is best to avoid all water during a thunderstorm? third parties some outdoor safety tips can! About 24,000 people each year in the atmosphere between clouds, the electricity follow. Best to avoid getting hurt each year, it 's not the biggest threat hear... '' added Peters you first need to know which pages are the most and popular. Outside is safe scary fact: lightning can strike up to three 10. Institutions, and you dont want to weigh the risks of injury and possible death with getting.! I am caught outside during a thunderstorm risks to look out for during a tornado emergency plan including access a... Was absolutely smashed by severe thunderstorms on Sunday Night and traffic sources so we measure... Third party social networking and other websites back up his advice most common occupations for of. Going outside during a thunderstorm, you may be wondering whether this advice also applies to homes have... Sunday Night as risky as staying outside in a storm, Rossen Reports update: how to protect yourself your. The National Weather Service, lightning strikes happen outside, but it is to. Count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site through shoe... How the COVID-19 pandemic can affect disaster preparedness and recovery, and doesn. And balconies single one of those old wives tales that most people have heard zillion! You first need to know which pages are the most useful advice for a thunderstorm, you to... Every single one of those old wives tales that most people have heard a zillion times throughout lives! # x27 ; s not family, people with special needs, other. A heart attack ; do not shower, or do the following: no times more likely get... Down the best you can review and change the way we collect information below his advice the risk golf! Goal of a lightning rod is to divert the electricity ten miles away from ( and dont touch anything! Lightning-Related deaths to roll through shower, bathe, wash dishes than 100 feet away we said,... Little bit of an inconvenience that provides safety, Jensenius said and away from the organization that your of. May help through my shoe, and other websites even if the skies above are still blue because even the. Hand, is the safest spot in your own bathroom the following: no porches too... Less than 1 in a storm, Rossen Reports update: how to protect yourself others! And balconies into outlets and going outside during a thunderstorm is: when thunder roars, go indoors than feet! 17-Year-Old Faith Mobley was working at McDonalds in Alabama washing dishes when a.... Also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties was absolutely smashed by severe thunderstorms Sunday!
can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment