Is it safe to take a shower or bath during a thunderstorm? These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. Are cell phones and cordless phones safe to use during a thunderstorm? Since lightning can travel through plumbing, "it is best to avoid all water during a thunderstorm. "Is it common? Most lightning strike victims are people who regularly participate in outdoor recreation activities or work outside. 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. 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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. "It doesn't matter if you've got metal of not.". Last medically reviewed on August 29, 2021. The high temperatures and humidity create large amounts of moist air that rises into the atmosphere, where it can form into a thunderstorm. 6 Amazon travel essentials for your next getaway, starting at $12, Dont shower during a thunderstorm or you could get struck by lightning.. Dwyer said you should even avoid washing your hands or doing the dishes during a thunderstorm. "They might've had, for example, instead of full metal pipes, there may've been a plastic section so that way the water pipes were not earthed properly and he could've got a shock that way. The organization also says that lightning can travel through plumbing. Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. There aren't too many of them around anymore, but you should never talk on a corded phone during a storm. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. "If you can hear thunder, then you are close enough to the storm to have lightning reach your location, even though it may not be raining at your home," Peters said. Dr Karl said he'd absolutely jump into the shower during a storm. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. The agency advises that during a thunderstorm, it's best to stay away from plumbing and faucets. The best defense is to avoid lightning. A weather alert radio can help keep you informed about storms. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. When we were younger, we blindly accepted the lesson that you should never shower during a thunderstorm. As adults, we feel more invincible to thunderstorms, ignoring commonplace safety rules that we used to live by. Other activities during which you shouldlook out for lightning strikes include soccer, yard work and golf. But are we completely safe once were inside? But if you happen to have your hands in some dishwater or are taking a shower, that electrical current could move straight through you. While the chances of lightning traveling through plumbing is greater with metal pipes than plastic pipes, its still important to avoid all water sources. This story was originally published on April 23, 2018. "While the goal of a lightning rod is to divert the electricity to the ground, there are no. How many people are injured from lightning strikes each year in the United States? This means that it can possibly strike you while you are taking a shower. "Lightning can strike up to three to 10 or more miles away from the parent storm," added Peters. Getting injured from showering during a thunderstorm is not something that happens a lot, but it can. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the old wives were onto something: It really is dangerous to shower while theres a storm brewing outside and there's an entire laundry list of other activities you should avoid, too. The National Weather Service promotes the slogans, go indoors, when thunder roars, and see a flash, dashinside, to explain that you are in danger of being struck if you can see or hear the signs of a storm. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. 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. Open vehicles (such as convertibles, golf carts, and motorcycles) and open structures (such as porches, gazebos, baseball dugouts, and sports arenas) are NOT safe during a storm. However, it is best to avoid any contact with plumbing and running water during a lightning storm to reduce your risk of being struck. Things such as metal wires or water in your pipes provide a convenient conductive path for the electricity to follow to the ground. What happens to the body as a result of a lightning strike? And that doesn't just mean sitting in the tub, waiting for (literal) lightning to strike. It doesnt necessarily need to strike your house directly for it to be problematic, explained Dr. Mary Ann Cooper, director of the Lightning Injury Research Program. Read on to learn why its unsafe, along with other activities you should avoid. (Ba-dum-dum.) "This includes not taking or doing the following: A shower, bath, washing your hair at the sink, or a sponge bath," added Peters. About 10% of people struck by lightning die. While it sounds scary that you can get struck by lightning within your own home, its still safer to be inside during a storm than to be outside. The short answer is yesyou should never, underanycircumstances, shower during a thunderstorm. "Certainly showers would be dangerous, it would be dangerous to be . The electricity from a lightning strike can travel through these wires, so its recommended to avoid being on concrete floors or walls. The shower provides both of those things (water and metal), making it an ideal path for the electricity to take. 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. Speaking to ABC Radio Brisbane, Dr Karl said if your water pipes are earthed properly, you've got nothing to worry about. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Thats because getting struck by lightning is rare and dying from it is even rarer. "Is It Dangerous to Bathe During a Thunderstorm?" 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. Lightning strikes can happen as far as ten miles away from the parent storm. The odds of being struck by lightning in a given year is less than one in a million. 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. Why Shouldnt You Shower During a Thunderstorm? The study, which looked at deaths occurring from 2006-2016, identified the outdoor activities most commonly associated with lightning deaths. 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. Also avoid using anything plugged into an electrical outlet (computers, TVs, washing machines, dishwashers) as all of these can provide pathways for the lightning strike to take. In fact, plumbing in a home is often grounded where water comes in at the meter, Wally says. The rising water drops collide with the falling ice drops, passing them a negative charge and leaving themselves with a positive charge. If you're having problems that affect your work, family life or sleep, or if you have increasing pain, it's worth checking in with a doctor. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about lightning, From a direct strike (when you're directly hit by lightning, it is often fatal), A contact injury (where lightning hits something you're touching), A ground current (when lightning strikes the ground, and the ground current passes from the strike point, through the ground, and into you). How many people die from lightning strikes each year in the United States? When I got to the last dish to wash, I filled up the sink and right when I put my hands in the water, lightning struck the McDonalds and the Bank across the street, she told TODAY Home over the phone. You may be wondering whether this advice also applies to homes that have lightning rods as well. Lindsay is a lifestyle and beauty writer currently living in Arizona. Lightning strike survivors have reported neurological disorders, chronic pain, as well as mental and emotional illnesses. What's the deal with the claim that you can't take a shower or bath during a thunderstorm? Yes. Her writing has appeared in Thought Catalog, The List, Drink Me Magazine, the Auburn Examiner, and Litro Magazine in the United Kingdom. The sink, shower, bathtub, dishwasher and washing machine, as well as anything thats plugged into the wall like a lamp or a corded phone. While the goal of a lightning rod is to divert the electricity to the ground, there are no guarantees with such a safety measure, explains David Wally, lead meteorologist at the New York Forecast office. The National Weather Service has identified June, July and Augustas peak months for lightning activity across the country. Who is at greatest risk for lightning strikes? Campsite restrooms are a good choice for shelter; if you're on water, head to shore immediately. It could turn that nice relaxing shower into something much less relaxing. Advice abounds when a thunderstorm finds you and your home. Even if its not raining yet, you still can be struck by lightning. When a storm is evident outside your window, its best to steer clear of the shower andfollow these simple steps to stay safe during a storm. The CDC mentions that its unsafe to shower during a thunderstorm. Our rationale was simple: storms and lightning are dangerous, and so we should abide by all safety precautions to escape potential electrocution. This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, AAP, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced. If lightning strikes a water pipe or nearby ground, the electricity can travel through the plumbing. Dr. Kman said, "I've been an ER physician for 13 years, and I have not seen someone struck by lightning in their house." 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. Your chances of getting electrocuted by lightning are low. 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. RVs should be avoided as shelter as . What's more shocking (excuse the pun) is that the water often loaded with impurities helps conduct the electricity. Physics Lecturer, Nottingham Trent University. 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 ]. Aspen Green is an award-winning CBD and hemp producer based in Colorado. In a 2017 study, the National Weather Service found most victims were just enjoying the outdoors before a thunderstorm quickly moved through and struck them. Although no place outside is safe during a thunderstorm, you can minimize your risk by assessing the lightning threat early and taking appropriate actions. During a thunderstorm, its recommended to avoid using electronics that are plugged into an electrical outlet. What Exactly Are Snow Fleas and Do They Bite? National Center for Environmental Health. Snow fleas arent actually fleas. While your chance of getting struck by lightning is low, it's important to know how to stay safe during a thunderstorm. Sometimes, you predict that a thunderstorm is coming from the plumes of charcoal clouds that knit through the skyor the lightning bolt animation on your weather app. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. "If lightning strikes a home directly or enters the building through the wiring, plumbing, or landline phone wire, the electricity will follow a path of least resistance through the wires or plumbing to reach the ground," Peters explainedand sometimes you can get in the way of that path. If you are in a forest, shelter near lower trees. Through third party social networking and other websites and medical associations cookies used to enable you to share and. Strikes include soccer, yard work and golf keep you informed about storms follow to ground. 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