The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) caution that if there's a thunderstorm going on, you should avoid showering entirely. Thats because getting struck by lightning is rare and dying from it is even rarer. However, it is estimatedthat about 180 people are injured each year due to lightning. While your chance of getting struck by lightning is low, it's important to know how to stay safe during a thunderstorm. For more information, visit the Lightning First Aid Recommendationswebpage. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. On average, 10-20 people get struck by lightning while bathing, using faucets, or handling an appliance during a storm. (Aug. 1, 2018) http://struckbylightning.org/stats2018.cfm, Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. In a thunderstorm, clouds act as enormous Van de Graaff generators, separating the positive and negative charges to create massive charge separations inside the clouds. Shelter in your vehicle if the only other choice is out in the open. But it's not just the metal that's an issue: Water can carry electrical currents from lightning, too, said lightning expert Mary Ann Cooper, MD, professor emerita of the College of Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago. While your chance of getting struck by lightning is low, its important to know how to stay safe during a thunderstorm. Honestly, not very. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Martin Barraud/Getty Images/sytilin/ThinkStock. Lightning can cause injuries in several ways: We take your privacy seriously. Seek safe shelter first. During a thunderstorm, you should avoid using water in general. It really is dangerous to bathe during a thunderstorm. Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. Every single one of those lightning deaths happened outside, which is where youre much more likely to get struck. Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches and balconies. The rising water drops collide with the falling ice drops, passing them a negative charge and leaving themselves with a positive charge. It really is dangerous to bathe during a thunderstorm. Prepare for Spring Storms: Get Weather Alerts Sent to Your Phone. 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. But remember, this is a last resort. There are a lot of common misconceptions about how lightning works (and what it can affect), so it's not altogether crazy to think that the old "don't shower during a storm" line is another old wives' tale. Thunderstorms usually like to save a big one for the end, and you dont want to end up part of the fireworks! The agency advises that during a thunderstorm, it's best to stay away from plumbing and faucets. All Rights Reserved. Do NOT use anything connected to an electrical outlet, such as computers or other electronic equipment. Her writing has appeared in Thought Catalog, The List, Drink Me Magazine, the Auburn Examiner, and Litro Magazine in the United Kingdom. Here's What Experts Say, What To Do if You Hit Your Head, and When To Seek Treatment. 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Other activities during which you shouldlook out for lightning strikes include soccer, yard work and golf. Many lightning deaths occur ahead of storms or after storms seemingly have passed. The Centers for Disease Control warns people to stay away from plumbing if you're indoors during the storm . Lots of people have heard that it is dangerous to shower during a thunderstorm and will avoid it. It is extraordinarily dangerous to take a shower during a thunderstorm or do any other indoor water-related . The CDC mentions that it's unsafe to shower during a thunderstorm. Lindsay is a lifestyle and beauty writer currently living in Arizona. There are other risks to look out for during a thunderstorm. This includes washing dishes. Lightning causes electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly more than 100 feet away. The high temperatures and humidity create large amounts of moist air that rises into the atmosphere, where it can form into a thunderstorm. An excellent excuse to skip doing the dishes during a dark and stormy night! According to the National Weather Service, lightning strikes about 300 people in the United States each year. Do NOT lie down on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls. And he'd be willing to back up his advice. 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. And before we get into the truth about bathing during a lightning storm, let's first discuss why it's even a question. Nottingham Trent University provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK. The National Weather Service has identified June, July and Augustas peak months for lightning activity across the country. And that doesn't just mean sitting in the tub, waiting for (literal) lightning to strike. (Aug. 1, 2018) http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/mythbusters/mythbusters-database/shower-in-thunderstorm/, National Weather Service. The answer . Can I use water in my home during a thunderstorm? 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]. Even if you dont see rain, you could still be at risk for a lightning strike. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. But did you know you should avoid taking a shower, a bath or washing the dishes 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. "It doesn't matter if you've got metal of not.". In 2017, a New York man. 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. This is due to the risk of electrocution. But, as we said earlier, with more than a dozen people getting hurt each year, it's not the biggest threat. 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. No. About 10% of people struck by lightning die. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. As for showering during a thunderstorm, its advised that you dont. The rule: If you hear thunder in the distance, don't try to rush to get a quick shower in. Aspen Green Review: Brand, Products, And More, Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC, cardiovascular effects, like cardio-pulmonary arrest. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Our editor completed a hands-on review of their products and reputation. Mostly, the answer is yes. How many people are injured from lightning strikes each year in the United States? Cell phones and cordless phones are okay. Does lightning ever strike the same place twice? They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. The shower provides both of those things (water and metal), making it an ideal path for the electricity to take. The risk of lightning travelling through plumbing might be less with plastic pipes than with metal pipes. "Is it common? Also, southeastern states are particularly at risk, with Florida and Texas having the largest number of lightning-related deaths. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. 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. In fact, showering . I saw a flash of light in front of my face, and it was so bright that it burned and I almost fell backward.. A thunderstorm is the perfect excuse to stay inside all day, but it doesn't mean you have to cancel your plans. "Sometimes thunderstorms can save up a big one for the end, and so you don't want to be part of that grand finale," Dwyer said. Lightning can affect people in a number of ways: About 10% of people struck by lightning die, usually from a heart attack. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. LifeSavvy is focused on a single goal: helping you make the most informed purchases possible. During a thunderstorm, the best way to avoid getting hurt outdoors is to stay inside. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. 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. 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. In July 2017, 17-year-old Faith Mobley was working at McDonalds in Alabama washing dishes when a storm started to roll through. It could turn that nice relaxing shower into something much less relaxing. A weather alert radio can help keep you informed about storms. Be prepared. One that may not seem obvious is leaning on a concrete wall. The path of this discharge is usually the one of least resistance, so things that are more conductive (like metal) are more likely to be struck during a storm. What's the deal with the claim that you can't take a shower or bath during a thunderstorm? Never shelter under an isolated tree. To stay safe inside a building, do the following: No. However, if you DO have a thunderstorm, you should avoid the shower, because if your house IS struck by lightning during the storm, you could fry. (Aug. 1, 2018) https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning, O'Connor, Anahad. Get Better Brewed Coffee With This Simple Hack, Why You Should Ditch Your Wire Grill Brush, Grelife 24in Oscillating Space Heater Review: Comfort and Functionality Combined, 10 Viral Products with Impressive Amazon Dupes, Yes, Brussels Sprouts Taste Better NowHeres Why. 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. I think this is somewhere between 10x and 100x. 2014. What Causes Numbness in the Left Side of the Face? 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. Since lightning can travel through plumbing, "it is best to avoid all water during a thunderstorm. 10 Best Ways to Increase Dopamine Levels Naturally. dangerous to shower while theres a storm, Rossen Reports update: How to protect yourself from lightning. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. In fact, plumbing in a home is often grounded where water comes in at the meter, Wally says. Say it strikes 50 or 100 feet from your house, but some of the wiring or plumbing is going close to that, then it can come in that way, she said. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. South-east Queensland was absolutely smashed by severe thunderstorms on Sunday night. Lightning can be especially dangerous. Your chances of getting electrocuted by lightning are low. "It is possible for lightning to kill someone taking a bath or shower, so the smart choice is not to risk it.". [The lightning] could've hit the water pipe and then come through and hit him," he said. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. Lightning is basically a giant spark of electricity in the atmosphere between clouds, the air, or the ground. Fishing accounted for the greatest number of deaths, with beach-going, camping, ranch/farm work and boating following behind, so take particular caution when engaging in these activities during the summer. It is safe to touch a lightning victim and administer first aid immediately. In fact, showering during a thunderstorm can actually increaseyour likelihood of being electrocuted, should lightning strike your house. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. Never lie flat on the ground. "You have water coming into your house, you have electricity coming into your house and the earth of the electricity is tied to the earth of the water pipes," Dr Karl said, "They're both going to a stake, the size of the diameter of your thumb that's hammered into the ground, so definitely [showering during a storm] should be safe."'. It is a little bit of an inconvenience, but it is an inconvenience that provides safety, Jensenius said. By submitting your email, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Read on to learn why its unsafe, along with other activities you should avoid. The lightning is trying to find a path to the ground, said Jeffrey Peters, severe weather program coordinator and lightning safety expert at National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly encourage people to avoid all water-based activities during a thunderstorm - even the washing up . Two basic elements cause a thunderstorm to thrive: moisture and rising warm air, which of course go hand in hand with summertime. 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. Find out how theyre used and what, Left-sided facial numbness could be a sign of stroke, or it could be caused by a less serious condition. Discovery. However, certain activities can increase your risk. Can I get struck by lightning if there is no rain? Yes. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. National Center for Environmental Health. If youre outside when a thunderstorm begins, heres what you can do to stay safe: Its unsafe to shower during a thunderstorm. After all, we all know water conducts electricity. So when there is thunder, there is lightning, and when you hear it, its time to go inside. From beauty hacks to DIY home dcor and everything in between -- Lindsay has a passion for crafting stories that entertain, educate, and inspire. 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). Speaking to ABC Radio Brisbane, Dr Karl said if your water pipes are earthed properly, you've got nothing to worry about. Even though your home is a safe shelter during a lightning storm, you might still be at risk. Always check the weather before starting outdoor activities. A tornado emergency plan including access to a safe shelter for yourself, your family, people with special needs, and your pets. What is my risk of being struck by lightning? Things such as metal wires or water in your pipes provide a convenient conductive path for the electricity to follow to the ground. Know how the COVID-19 pandemic can affect disaster preparedness and recovery, and what you can do to keep yourself and others safe. Thunder and lightning come together during a thunderstorm. Looking back, it may seem silly that we were ever so scared of thunderstorms. Regional and seasonal differences and time of day and year affect the risk of lightning injury (see Lightning Strike Victim Data). Purchases possible to count visits and traffic sources so we should abide by safety... Months for lightning strikes each year in the open advises that during a to! During the storm and TotalAV Security leaning on a single goal: helping make... Basically a giant spark of electricity in the distance, do the following text to properly cite HowStuffWorks.com... Most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site safety, Jensenius said people! 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