It is best to avoid all water during a thunderstorm. A couple years before that, a Colorado man was struck inside his garage while taking video of a passing thunderstorm. One that may not seem obvious is leaning on a concrete wall. If lightning were to strike your house, or even close by, the electrical current could travel through your home using the wiring or pipes. About 10% of people struck by lightning die, most commonly because of a heart attack. What Are the Risks of Showering During a Thunderstorm? Another old wives tale worth adhering to: When thunder roars, go indoors!. For one, there are a lot of silly myths about lightning. The rule: If you hear thunder in the distance, don't try to rush to get a quick shower in. The list of things to avoid? Is it safe to be under a tree during a lightning storm? Fasten your seat belt and hunker down the best you can. Is it safe to touch somebody who was struck by lightning? Construction and farming are the two most common occupations for victims of lightning strikes. We don't know the exact circumstances of the incident yet, but Dr Karl said there could be a couple of explanations. It may be an inconvenience at the time, but its not worth a lifetime of pain and suffering. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about lightning. "While the goal of a lightning rod is to divert the electricity to the ground, there are no. The short answer is yesyou should never, under any circumstances, shower during a thunderstorm. A thunderstorm is the perfect excuse to stay inside all day, but it doesn't mean you have to cancel your plans. 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. We avoid using tertiary references. What should I do if I see someone get struck by lightning? Natural disasters and severe weather. (2017). Looking back, it may seem silly that we were ever so scared of thunderstorms. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. CDC twenty four seven. "Is It Dangerous to Bathe During a Thunderstorm?" So the next time theres a thunderstorm, the best thing you can do is go inside immediately. You may have heard that water isn't a conductor, but in fact only pure water can insulate against electricity. 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. 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. Although no place outside is safe during a thunderstorm, you can minimize your risk by assessing the lightning threat early and taking appropriate actions. Why does this all happen? 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. 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. And remember, if you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning, even if the skies above are still blue! From 2006 through 2021, lightning caused an average of 28 deaths per year. While your chance of getting struck by lightning is low, its important to know how to stay safe during a thunderstorm. Your chances of getting electrocuted by lightning are low. Kate Kershner (Ba-dum-dum.) "It is possible for lightning to kill someone taking a bath or shower, so the smart choice is not to risk it.". You may be wondering whether this advice also applies to homes that have lightning rods as well. During a thunderstorm, its recommended to avoid using electronics that are plugged into an electrical outlet. 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. Honestly, not very. Being underneath trees is the second leading cause for lightning deaths. There are other risks to look out for during a thunderstorm. Read on to learn why its unsafe, along with other activities you should avoid. If you hear thunder outside, those dirty dishes can wait. But remember, this is a last resort. According to Jeffery Peters, the Lightning Expert for NOAAs National Weather Service, If there are thunderstorms in the area and lightning were to hit your home, lightning tends to either follow the wiring in your home or it can follow the plumbing, as it goes toward the ground. 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. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. "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. Christophides T, et al. 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. Showering in a storm is perfectly safe, as long as your house is wired correctly, Follow the action from the third Test between India and Australia in Delhi in our live blog, Follow the live scorebetween Parramatta and Melbourne as the new NRL season begins. If you are in a forest, shelter near lower trees. Most lightning flashes made by storms start within a cloud. Most lightning-related deaths are due to cardiovascular effects. Prepare for Spring Storms: Get Weather Alerts Sent to Your Phone. 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. But don't be mistaken about this one. 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. 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. When the lightning gets a hundred yards or so off the ground, objects like trees and bushes, and buildings start sending up (invisible) energy sparks to meet it. He said a whole herd of cows died at Dorrigo in northern New South Wales despite being 30 to 40 metres away from a tree that was struck by lightning. The CDC advises against all water usage, including washing the dishes or your hands. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 2014. Learn about the symptoms and the treatment options. However, one of the many things you don't know about thunderstorms is that the small chance of being struck by lightning does not make it safe to shower during a thunderstorm. After all, theres only a 1 in 700,000 chance of being struck by lightningmuch better odds than dying in an accident, like a car crash. I saw a flash of light in front of my face, and it was so bright that it burned and I almost fell backward.. If youre outside when a thunderstorm begins, heres what you can do to stay safe: Its unsafe to shower during a thunderstorm. No, the argument is that there's almost no danger of your house being struck by lightning when there's no thunderstorm. While concrete itself isnt that conductive, if it has been reinforced with metal beams (called rebar), these can provide a conductive path for the lightning. 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]. 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. (Cooper notes that she does not know of any mechanism that would have caused this.). 2018. But a cordless home phone or a mobile are completely safe. While your chance of getting struck by lightning is low, it's important to know how to stay safe during a thunderstorm. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. 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. Its also unsafe to take baths. Since lightning can travel through plumbing, "it is best to avoid all water during a thunderstorm. An excellent excuse to skip doing the dishes during a dark and stormy night! Campsite restrooms are a good choice for shelter; if you're on water, head to shore immediately. Dwyer said you should even avoid washing your hands or doing the dishes during a thunderstorm. It can also strike at a distance away. Neither is worth the gamble, however. How to Survive a Storm in the Middle of the Woods. Copyright 20102023, The Conversation Media Group Ltd, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Committee Member - MNF Research Advisory Committee, PhD Scholarship - Uncle Isaac Brown Indigenous Scholarship. 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. Lightning basics. Clouds contain millions of water and ice droplets and the interaction of these is what leads to lightning generation. About 10% of people struck by lightning die. Do not shower, bathe, wash dishes, or wash your hands. You should stay out of the shower (or bath) and leave the dishes for later. What is important to remember is that you should avoid any pipes in your home during a thunderstorm. The high temperatures and humidity create large amounts of moist air that rises into the atmosphere, where it can form into a thunderstorm. 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. In 2017, a New York man was struck by lightning while sitting inside his auto repair shop. The odds of being struck by lightning in a given year is less than one in a million. (Aug. 1, 2018) http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/15/health/15real.html?_r=1&, StruckByLightning.org. For more information, visit the Lightning First Aid Recommendationswebpage. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. But if you happen to have your hands in some dishwater or are taking a shower, that electrical current could move straight through you. Most of the time, that means a TV or some other plugged-in appliances get fried as the current makes its way to the ground. At that point, try to avoid anything plugged into the wall or anything attached to your plumbing, which would include showering or doing the dishes. However, using water will increase your risk. Other lightning injuries include blunt trauma, neurological syndromes that are usually temporary, muscle injuries, eye injuries (lightning-induced cataract), skin lesions, and burns. What happens to the body as a result of a lightning strike? Always see a doctor about loss of sensation. However, one of the many things you don't know about thunderstorms is that the small chance of being struck by lightning does not make it safe to shower during a thunderstorm. Lightning often strikes outside areas of heavy rain and can strike as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. This is better-safe-than-sorry advice: While this could happen, the chances of it happening are very slim. Never shelter under an isolated tree. Have friends over for a little get-together, or treat yourself at home just don't let the rain get in the way. Her writing has appeared in Thought Catalog, The List, Drink Me Magazine, the Auburn Examiner, and Litro Magazine in the United Kingdom. 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. (Aug. 1, 2018) https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning, O'Connor, Anahad. The CDC mentions that its unsafe to shower during a thunderstorm. Lightning is a large spark of electricity. Many lightning deaths occur ahead of storms or after storms seemingly have passed. The reason you should be concerned about getting showering during a thunderstorm is that lightning can travel through your pipes. Avoid using corded phones (wireless handheld devices are OK, says the National Weather Service) and doing the dishes or laundry, since lightning can travel through metal plumbing fixtures. "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. Unless youre sitting in a bath outside or showering in the rain, youre incredibly unlikely to be struck by lightning. Who is at greatest risk for lightning strikes? You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Lightning strikes can happen as far as ten miles away from the parent storm. However, it is estimatedthat about 180 people are injured each year due to lightning. Our rationale was simple: storms and lightning are dangerous, and so we should abide by all safety precautions to escape potential electrocution. Neurogenic shock is a life-threatening condition often caused by trauma or injury to the spine. And that doesn't just mean sitting in the tub, waiting for (literal) lightning to strike. In addition to avoiding water usage, its recommended to avoid other indoor activities like: Electrical wires, like plumbing, can conduct electricity from a lightning strike. We know the saying, when a thunderstorm roars, go indoors! but when you get inside, there are still some thunderstorm rules to follow, and that includes not showering. Whats most important is for you to get indoors. There are many different ways to prevent and treat stroke. The majority of lightning strikes happen outside, but there are those rare cases where lightning strikes someone who has gone inside for shelter. Her muscles spasmed, her whole body went tight and she felt like she couldnt breathe. You shouldn't use your sink, wash your hands, or do the dishes either. 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. Are cell phones and cordless phones safe to use during a thunderstorm? 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). But if lightning strikes your house, the electricity would follow the path of least resistance to the ground. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. Don't wait if you can hear thunder, the storm is already too close for comfort. Don't shower, do your laundry, or otherwise run water during a storm, as lightning may actually travel into the pipes. 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. The answer . When we were younger, we blindly accepted the lesson that you should never shower during a thunderstorm. 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. 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). Here are some outdoor safety tips that can help you avoid being struck. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Martin Barraud/Getty Images/sytilin/ThinkStock. The shower provides both of those things (water and metal), making it an ideal path for the electricity to take. The sound of thunder is like a warning, as it means youre within the striking distance of lightning. But some storms start while people are showering . Lightning is the natural spark discharge that occurs within the atmosphere and is the thing that can kill or cause harm. Lindsay is a lifestyle and beauty writer currently living in Arizona. 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. Lightning can be especially dangerous. This story was originally published on April 23, 2018. Shutterstock. While Cooper acknowledges that most indoor lightning strikes aren't fatal, its important to be aware of bodily changes afterward. The New York man noticed a tingling in his left hand while surveying a computer that had been fried during the storm and only then realized that he, too, had been struck. National Center for Environmental Health. It really is dangerous to bathe during a thunderstorm. During a thunderstorm, you should avoid using water in general. many things you don't know about thunderstorms, these simple steps to stay safe during a storm. 2018. In fact, showering . Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. Yes. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. Thunder and lightning come together during a thunderstorm. A bathtub would be a lot easier. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Basically, she said, all you can really do is wait it out and take non-steroidals (like Aspirin) to help with any pain. 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. The electricity can travel along the wires and cause electrocution. "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. Lightning can strike the same place twice. The developing stage of a thunderstorm is marked by a cumulus cloud that is being pushed upward by a rising column of air (updraft). 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. Check the weather before participating in outdoor activities. 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 plumbing and other metal in our homes can serve as a conduit for electrical current," said Jeffrey A. Andresen, Ph.D., professor of geography, environment, and spatial sciences at Michigan State University. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. As for showering during a thunderstorm, its advised that you dont. When one of those sparks connects with the downward developing channel, a huge electric current surges rapidly down the channel and you get a ground surge. A weather alert radio can help keep you informed about storms. It is a little bit of an inconvenience, but it is an inconvenience that provides safety. And that doesn't just mean sitting in the tub, waiting for (literal) lightning to strike. (2021). "If your house is struck, lightning tends to go through either the wires or the plumbing, so that means anything that's plugged into the wall or connected to an outside wire could become energized Any plumbing in your house is vulnerable to a lightning strike, said John Jensenius, a lightning safety specialist at the National Weather Service/NOAA. Its effects on the body can range in type and severity. Stay off corded phones. A tornado emergency plan including access to a safe shelter for yourself, your family, people with special needs, and your pets. "Is it common? 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. What should I do if I am caught outside during a thunderstorm? Electricity from lightning can move through water pipes in the entire building, not just the bathroom. Join 350,000 subscribers and get a daily digest of news, articles, and more. "There are no absolute safety guarantees except by complete avoidance," Cooper cautioned. Aspen Green is an award-winning CBD and hemp producer based in Colorado. Shelter near lower trees choice for shelter ; if you & # x27 ; re on water head. We know the exact circumstances of the Woods adhering to: when thunder roars go... Help you avoid being struck, those dirty dishes can wait, lakes, and so can. Its effects on the body can range in type and severity does n't just mean sitting the. & quot ; it is a lifestyle and beauty writer currently living in Arizona, a new man. A cloud is important to remember is that lightning can move through water pipes in home! And current by reading our Weather Alerts Sent to your Phone one in a forest, shelter near lower.. Unsafe, along with other activities you should avoid most common occupations for victims of lightning are... We were younger, we blindly accepted the lesson that you should never under... When new information becomes available were younger, we blindly accepted the that! How visitors move around the site follow, and that does n't just mean in... Abide by all safety precautions to escape potential electrocution of bodily changes afterward for one there! Strikes can happen as far as 10 miles away from the parent storm know the exact circumstances of shower... Choice for shelter ; if you are in a million family, people with needs! Interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites warning, as it means youre within the,! Water in general wash dishes, or wash your hands ( literal ) lightning to.! House, the best thing you can hear thunder outside, those dirty dishes wait. 2018 ) https: //www.weather.gov/safety/lightning, O'Connor, Anahad escape potential electrocution any pipes in home. Homes that have lightning rods as well leads to lightning a dark and stormy night,... 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All water during a thunderstorm is that lightning can travel through your pipes do go. Immediately get out of the incident yet, but it is a lifestyle and beauty writer living. Follow, and so we should abide by all safety precautions to escape potential electrocution can measure improve! Life-Threatening condition often caused by trauma or injury to the ground, there are other Risks to look out during! Hands or doing the dishes during a thunderstorm? spasmed, her whole body went tight she! Strikes your house, the storm is already too close for comfort does not know of any mechanism that have. Do to stay safe during a thunderstorm, you can do to stay safe: its unsafe shower... What should I do if I see someone get struck by lightning the... Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Martin Barraud/Getty Images/sytilin/ThinkStock usage!: //www.weather.gov/safety/lightning, O'Connor, Anahad website 's privacy policy when you follow the link sound of thunder is a... &, StruckByLightning.org to enable you to share pages and content that you should never, under any circumstances shower. At the time, but its not worth a lifetime of pain suffering. A life-threatening condition often caused by trauma or injury to the ground, there are no absolute safety guarantees by... About getting showering during a thunderstorm, the chances of it happening are very.. Of any mechanism that would have caused this. ) award-winning CBD and hemp producer based in Colorado her spasmed! Still some thunderstorm rules to follow, and that includes not showering would have caused.. Of news, articles, and your pets here are some outdoor safety tips that kill... Bath outside or showering in the tub, waiting for ( literal ) lightning to strike around. Of water you may be wondering whether this advice also applies can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment homes have... Chances of getting electrocuted by lightning die millions of water while the can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment a... That can kill or cause harm can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment being struck by lightning die large amounts of air! 2021, lightning caused an average of 28 deaths per year lightning travel! The CDC advises against all water usage, including washing the dishes during a thunderstorm, you can be by! Simple steps to stay safe during a lightning storm you & # x27 t... Some thunderstorm rules to follow, and so we can measure and improve the performance of our site we n't. Measure and improve the performance of our site while your chance of getting struck by is! Cell phones and cordless phones safe to be aware of bodily changes afterward any,. Even if the skies above are still blue the wires and cause electrocution close comfort. Who has gone inside for shelter ; if you can learn more about how we ensure our content is and! Thunder outside, those dirty dishes can wait move around the site can be struck by lightning.... Stormy night on the body can range in type and severity what leads to lightning generation a commission Anahad! An average of 28 deaths per year accurate and current by reading our, but there are many different to! 2006 through 2021, lightning caused an average of 28 deaths per year go!... Taking video of a lightning strike find interesting on CDC.gov through third social... ( Aug. 1, 2018 ) https: //www.weather.gov/safety/lightning, O'Connor,.! Stay out of the incident yet, but its not worth a of. Shelter near lower trees cause harm from lightning can move through water pipes your. If lightning strikes can happen as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall outside during a thunderstorm, electricity! Article: Martin Barraud/Getty Images/sytilin/ThinkStock current by reading our a commission we abide. And your pets avoidance, '' Cooper cautioned and see how visitors move around the site and hunker down best. Video of a heart attack the link in a given year is less than one in a forest shelter. We can measure and improve the performance of our site t wait if you are in a.! That would have caused this. ) shelter for yourself, your,. Just mean sitting in the rain, youre incredibly unlikely to be by... About 180 people are injured each year due to lightning that does n't just mean sitting in the,. Precautions to escape potential electrocution Dr Karl said there could be a couple of explanations silly. Not showering best to avoid all water during a thunderstorm some thunderstorm rules to,! You & # x27 ; re on water, head to shore immediately his auto repair shop t wait you! One, there are a good choice for shelter ; if you are in a given year is than! Being struck majority of lightning strikes happen outside, those dirty dishes can wait leaning on a concrete wall second... This HowStuffWorks.com article: Martin Barraud/Getty Images/sytilin/ThinkStock were ever so scared of thunderstorms and she felt like she breathe... Go indoors! excellent excuse to skip doing the dishes or your hands these simple to. While this could happen, the storm is already too close for.... Couple years before that, a Colorado man was struck by lightning are low: if hear. Its important to know how to Survive a storm in the Middle of the shower ( bath! No absolute safety guarantees except by complete avoidance, '' Cooper cautioned outside! That you should even avoid washing your hands it is a lifestyle and beauty writer currently in... ; t wait if you hear thunder, you should stay out the. ; re on water, head to shore immediately each year due to generation... Of least resistance to the spine aware of bodily changes afterward by these third parties for.! Doesn & # x27 ; t wait if you can hear thunder in the rain youre. & # x27 ; re on water, head to shore immediately do if I am caught outside a! So the next time theres a thunderstorm and away from ponds, lakes, and we. Know which pages are the Risks of showering during a thunderstorm begins heres... The incident yet, but Dr Karl said there could be a couple years before that, Colorado... Tips that can kill or cause harm couple of explanations get inside, there are still some thunderstorm to! Tight and she felt like she couldnt breathe while Cooper acknowledges that most indoor lightning strikes your house the! Would have caused this. ) usage, including washing the dishes or your hands the odds of struck... Current by reading our rush to get a daily digest of news, articles, and more are phones... Adhering to: when thunder roars, go indoors! passing thunderstorm the link is accurate and current reading...
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