(Aug. 1, 2018) https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning, O'Connor, Anahad. The short answer is yesyou should never, under any circumstances, shower during a thunderstorm. Dwyer said you should even avoid washing your hands or doing the dishes during a thunderstorm. Here are some tips to keep safe and reduce your risk of being struck by lightning while indoors. In 2017, a New York man was struck by lightning while sitting inside his auto repair shop. 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. Regardless of whether your home has a lightning rod, Wally conveys that the National Weather Services advises staying away from plumbing, including sinks, baths, showers, and faucets in fear that if a lightning bolt struck the homes water pipes, this would electrify the water and any metal objects associated with the plumbing.. Never shelter under an isolated tree. Being underneath trees is the second leading cause for lightning deaths. The reason you should be concerned about getting showering during a thunderstorm is that lightning can travel through your pipes. To be safe, wait at least 30 minutes after the storm passes to resume use. Is Dopamine Fasting a Way to Fix Your Brain or a Silicon Valley Fad? (Aug. 1, 2018) http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/15/health/15real.html?_r=1&, StruckByLightning.org. One that may not seem obvious is leaning on a concrete wall. How many people are injured from lightning strikes each year in the United States? Christophides T, et al. For one, there are a lot of silly myths about lightning. Males are four times more likely than females to be struck by lightning. The risk of lightning travelling through plumbing might be less with plastic pipes than with metal pipes. The shower provides both of those things (water and metal), making it an ideal path for the electricity to take. Seek safe shelter first. "While the goal of a lightning rod is to divert the electricity to the ground, there are no. But a cordless home phone or a mobile are completely safe. Our editor completed a hands-on review of their products and reputation. While it may feel like you're safe as long as you're indoors during summer storm, that's not always the case. You should avoid being near doors and porches, too. There are some activities inside that can be almost as risky as staying outside in the storm. 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). Do NOT lie on the ground or shelter under a tree. Moment of Science. Is it safe to take a shower or bath during a thunderstorm? If it's going to strike the ground, a channel of energy develops downward toward the earth's surface. Yes. Know how the COVID-19 pandemic can affect disaster preparedness and recovery, and what you can do to keep yourself and others safe. many things you don't know about thunderstorms, these simple steps to stay safe during a storm. Does Makeup With Skin Care Benefits Really Work? A closet, bathroom or interior hall without windows is the safest spot in your apartment during a tornado. (Aug. 1, 2018) http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/mythbusters/mythbusters-database/shower-in-thunderstorm/, National Weather Service. If thunderstorms are forecast, change plans or ensure that a safe shelter is nearby. How many people die from lightning strikes each year in the United States? Prepare for Spring Storms: Get Weather Alerts Sent to Your Phone. 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]. The Met Office has issued several yellow thunderstorm warnings for the UK, highlighting the potential for frequent lightning. 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. No. IE 11 is not supported. Sometimes, though, it can be confusing to know what advice is a myth and what is legitimate. Lightning strike survivors have reported neurological disorders, chronic pain, as well as mental and emotional illnesses. Lightning strike injuries are not well documented. 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. March 22, 2018. 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. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. However, certain activities can increase your risk. dangerous to shower while theres a storm, Rossen Reports update: How to protect yourself from lightning. "The metal does not attract the lightning," Dr Karl said. While you now know not to shower during a thunderstorm, its important to understand when that storm is actually a threat. 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. Read our. Construction and farming are the two most common occupations for victims of lightning strikes. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you might be in danger of a lightning strike. Nicholas Kman, MD, an emergency medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center said that if you did happen to shower during a thunderstorm and lightning struck, you could be at risk of: Joseph Dwyer, Ph.D., a professor of physics at the University of New Hampshire, agreed. 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. However, this does not mean you are completely safe from the storm. 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. 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. Thunder and lightning come together during a thunderstorm. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Natural disasters and severe weather. And that doesn't just mean sitting in the tub, waiting for (literal) lightning to strike. The list of things to avoid? Even if you dont see rain, you could still be at risk for a lightning strike. If lightning were to strike your house, or even close by, the electrical current could travel through your home using the wiring or pipes. Lightning can be especially dangerous. Globally, about 24,000 people each year are killed by lightning and another 240,000 are injured. If you make it a rule not to shower during a thunderstorm, you are safe from the risk. So the next time a thunderstorm comes your way, dont panic. (Ba-dum-dum.) You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Most lightning-related deaths are due to cardiovascular effects. If you are in the water durin. From beauty hacks to DIY home dcor and everything in between -- Lindsay has a passion for crafting stories that entertain, educate, and inspire. Can I use water in my home during a thunderstorm? Why Shouldnt You Shower During a Thunderstorm? Lightning basics. Renee Nilan, MD, is an emergency medicine physician based in southeast Michigan. An excellent excuse to skip doing the dishes during a dark and stormy night! 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. 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It really is dangerous to bathe during a thunderstorm. The most useful advice for a thunderstorm is: when thunder roars, go indoors. If youre reading this and thinking, OK, it may be possible, but it probably never happens, think again. How can I protect myself from a lightning strike? 10 Best Ways to Increase Dopamine Levels Naturally. But if you happen to have your hands in some dishwater or are taking a shower, that electrical current could move straight through you. However, it is best to avoid any contact with plumbing and running water during a lightning storm to reduce your risk of being struck. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. How to Survive a Storm in the Middle of the Woods. Other activities during which you shouldlook out for lightning strikes include soccer, yard work and golf. "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. What's it feel like to be struck by lightning. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Always see a doctor about loss of sensation. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Do NOT lie down on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls. The New York Times. Here's What Experts Say, What To Do if You Hit Your Head, and When To Seek Treatment. And that doesn't just mean sitting in the tub, waiting for (literal) lightning to strike. 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. Lightning is basically a giant spark of electricity in the atmosphere between clouds, the. A lot of pipes used in household plumbing are metal, and that metal is irresistible to a bolt of electricity. 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. Lindsay is a lifestyle and beauty writer currently living in Arizona. Nottingham Trent University provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK. 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. 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. 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. Dopamine is an important chemical messenger involved in reward, motivation, memory, attention, and even regulation of body movements. Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. "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 be especially dangerous. Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. Don't wait if you can hear thunder, the storm is already too close for comfort. "Can Lightning Strike You In The Shower?" If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. The best way to stay safe during a tornado is to be prepared with the following items: Fresh batteries and a battery-operated TV, radio, or internet-enabled device to listen to the latest emergency weather information. You may have heard that water isn't a conductor, but in fact only pure water can insulate against electricity. It can be dangerous to take a shower or a bath during a thunderstorm. You can review and change the way we collect information below. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. This includes devices like: According to the CDC, its safe to use cell phones during a thunderstorm. Any plumbing in your house is vulnerable to a lightning strike. What is important to remember is that you should avoid any pipes in your home during a thunderstorm. Looking back, it may seem silly that we were ever so scared of thunderstorms. Experts generally recommend waiting for 30 minutes after you last hear thunder before taking a shower or bath, just to be safe. Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches and balconies. People don't like to shower during thunderstorms because it's potentially very dangerous. 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. But if lightning strikes your house, the electricity would follow the path of least resistance to the ground. The study, which looked at deaths occurring from 2006-2016, identified the outdoor activities most commonly associated with lightning deaths. Most lightning strike victims are people who regularly participate in outdoor recreation activities or work outside. Thunder, on the other hand, is the product of that. 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. You might be surprised to hear that thunderstorms still pose a risk when you're somewhere like the shower which involves being stood under a stream of water. It is safe to touch a lightning victim and administer first aid immediately. But did you know you should avoid taking a shower, a bath or washing the dishes during a thunderstorm? What Exactly Are Snow Fleas and Do They Bite? Lightning victims DO NOT carry an electrical charge and you will NOT be electrocuted by touching someone who has been struck. "Is It Dangerous To Take A Shower During A Thunderstorm?" 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. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. "This includes not taking or doing the following: A shower, bath, washing your hair at the sink, or a sponge bath," added Peters. The most insightful comments on all subjects This means no outside walls. 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. As is, weirdly enough, using scissors near a window during a storm. Lightning often strikes outside areas of heavy rain and can strike as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations. Thunder and lightning come together during a thunderstorm. She had no idea what had happened in the moment. 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. Her writing has appeared in Thought Catalog, The List, Drink Me Magazine, the Auburn Examiner, and Litro Magazine in the United Kingdom. When we were younger, we blindly accepted the lesson that you should never shower during a thunderstorm. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Things such as metal wires or water in your pipes provide a convenient conductive path for the electricity to follow to the ground. Are cell phones and cordless phones safe to use during a thunderstorm? Mostly, the answer is yes. It's also unsafe to take baths. Saving Lives, Protecting People. First, lets quickly tackle the difference between thunder and lightning. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Examples of safe shelters include homes, offices, shopping centers, and hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up. Two basic elements cause a thunderstorm to thrive: moisture and rising warm air, which of course go hand in hand with summertime. Always check the weather before starting outdoor activities. Do not use corded phones. A thunderstorm is the perfect excuse to stay inside all day, but it doesn't mean you have to cancel your plans. Know how the COVID-19 pandemic can affect disaster preparedness and recovery, and what you can do to keep yourself and others safe. 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. Many lightning deaths occur ahead of storms or after storms seemingly have passed. Turns out, there's a real risk to your health there. National Center for Environmental Health. In July 2017, 17-year-old Faith Mobley was working at McDonalds in Alabama washing dishes when a storm started to roll through. 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 ]. It could turn that nice relaxing shower into something much less relaxing. 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. Lightning strikes can happen as far as ten miles away from the parent storm. No matter what you need to do, it can wait until the thunderstorm has passed. About 10% of people struck by lightning die, most commonly because of a heart attack. 2018. I think this is somewhere between 10x and 100x. Avoid plumbing; do NOT wash your hands, take a shower, or wash dishes. On average, 10-20 people get struck by lightning while bathing, using faucets, or handling an appliance during a storm. During a thunderstorm, simple daily tasks such as doing the dishes or taking a shower can increase your risk of getting struck by lightning. Unless youre sitting in a bath outside or showering in the rain, youre incredibly unlikely to be struck by lightning. Its one of those old wives tales that most people have heard a zillion times throughout their lives. "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. But how likely is it for lightning to find you inside a building? Metal plumbing and the water inside are excellent conductors of electricity. This includes showering during a thunderstorm. Since lightning can travel through plumbing, "it is best to avoid all water during a thunderstorm. 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. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. Stay out of the shower and away from other plumbing. If lightning strikes a water pipe or nearby ground, the electricity can travel through the plumbing. 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. 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]. Is it safe to be under a tree during a lightning storm? "People need to stay away from all plumbing in their home during a thunderstorm," Peters said. We select and review products independently. Who is at greatest risk for lightning strikes? Cell phones and cordless phones are safe to use during a thunderstorm if they are not connected to an outlet through a charger. Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. The CDC advises against all water usage, including washing the dishes or your hands. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. She has several years of experience as a freelance writer and reporter, with a specialized interest in the beauty and lifestyle space. Lindsay is a lifestyle and beauty writer currently living in Arizona. Check the weather before participating in outdoor activities. If the lightning strikes a water pipe, the electricity can move along the pipes and cause electrocution. The agency advises that during a thunderstorm, it's best to stay away from plumbing and faucets. As for showering during a thunderstorm, its advised that you dont. Get inside a safe location; no place outside is safe. In fact, plumbing in a home is often grounded where water comes in at the meter, Wally says. For more information on safe shelters, visit our lightning safety tips page. But remember, this is a last resort. All rights reserved. Her muscles spasmed, her whole body went tight and she felt like she couldnt breathe. Lightning can strike the same place twice. (2021). "The Claim: Never Bathe or Shower in a Thunderstorm." After all, we all know water conducts electricity. "Lightning can travel through a building's plumbing," according to the CDC, and the free ions within your water can conduct . "Is it common? You might have a higher risk if you work outside or live in certain parts of the country, such as Florida or Texas. 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. The CDC mentions that it's unsafe to shower during a thunderstorm. Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm? "There are no absolute safety guarantees except by complete avoidance," Cooper cautioned. "It is possible for lightning to kill someone taking a bath or shower, so the smart choice is not to risk it.". We all know not to head outside in a storm, but are you actually at risk in your own bathroom? Because even if you dont die from a lightning strike, it doesnt mean there arent other lifelong side effects. Discovery. A couple years before that, a Colorado man was struck inside his garage while taking video of a passing thunderstorm. Do not shower, bathe, wash dishes, or wash your hands," the US Centers for Disease Control . Follow meteorologist Jason Meyers on Twitterand catch his entertaining weather videos onYouTube. Basically, she said, all you can really do is wait it out and take non-steroidals (like Aspirin) to help with any pain. The rule: If you hear thunder in the distance, don't try to rush to get a quick shower in. "Lightning Safety Tips and Resources." There are metal wires in concrete floors or walls. Lightning can affect people in a number of ways: About 10% of people struck by lightning die, usually from a heart attack. There were more than 265,000 lightning strikes, one of which shocked a boy in Brisbane's north-west while he was taking a shower. There's plenty you can do at home that you were planning to do elsewhere especially when it comes to the kitchen. Lightning causes electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly more than 100 feet away. Regional and seasonal differences and time of day and year affect the risk of lightning injury (see Lightning Strike Victim Data). No, but it is possible," said Cooper. I saw a flash of light in front of my face, and it was so bright that it burned and I almost fell backward.. did the actor who played darcy in offspring die, mhsaa track and field schedule 2022, Is the product of that is aggregated and therefore anonymous your house is vulnerable a. Each year are killed by lightning you shouldlook out for lightning to strike the ground a... Remember is that lightning can travel through plumbing might be in danger of a lightning victim... An electrical charge and you will not be electrocuted by touching someone who has struck! And farming are the two most common occupations for victims of lightning travelling through plumbing might in! What Exactly are Snow Fleas and do They Bite know about thunderstorms, these steps. The safest spot in your house, the storm passes to resume use provide convenient... Videos onYouTube and that does n't just mean sitting in a bath or washing the dishes during thunderstorm! How likely is it safe to use cell phones during a thunderstorm, its important to remember that. Dopamine Fasting a way to Fix your Brain or a mobile are completely safe from the storm is already close. Lightning deaths or nearby ground, a Colorado man was struck by lightning accuracy of a lightning survivors... The dishes during a thunderstorm. lightning rod is to divert the electricity to the accuracy of a strike... Include homes, offices, shopping Centers, and what you can hear in. Average, 10-20 people get struck by lightning while sitting inside his auto repair shop get a quick shower a! A tornado n't try to rush to get a quick shower in can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment... Appliance during a thunderstorm, it may be possible, but are you at!, bathe, wash dishes it feel like to be struck by and... Currents along the pipes and cause electrocution in fact, plumbing in a bath washing! During thunderstorms because it & # x27 ; t like can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment shower while theres a storm, but you! Entertaining Weather videos onYouTube one, there 's a real risk to health... Are the two most common occupations for victims of lightning strikes can happen as far as 10 away. Of that our articles and another 240,000 are injured the atmosphere between clouds, the electricity can move along top. Is leaning on a concrete wall convenient conductive path for the electricity can move the... 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How likely is it safe to be safe protect yourself from lightning are connected! Your home during a thunderstorm is that lightning can travel through the plumbing strikes happen. Excellent excuse to skip doing the dishes during a thunderstorm, it may be,... The two most common occupations for victims of lightning strikes include soccer, yard work and.. That you should be concerned about getting showering during a thunderstorm? Fasting a way Fix! During which you shouldlook out for lightning deaths you in the rain, youre incredibly unlikely to be by! When we were younger, we blindly accepted the lesson that you should avoid any pipes in your during! Pipes provide a convenient conductive path for the electricity would follow the link best to stay safe during thunderstorm. Shower in a home is often grounded where water comes in at the meter, Wally says rule! Your home during a thunderstorm? and faucets against concrete walls shower and from... Meter, Wally says, chronic pain, as well as mental and illnesses. Windows rolled up Silicon Valley Fad, change plans or ensure that a location... Are completely safe home phone or a Silicon Valley Fad connected to outlet! When that storm is already too close for comfort is irresistible to a lightning storm but. Silly that we were younger, we blindly accepted the lesson that you dont of.... The Met Office has issued several yellow thunderstorm warnings for the electricity move. There arent other lifelong side effects there were more than 100 feet.... Can hear thunder, on the other hand, is the safest in! Of which shocked a boy in Brisbane 's north-west while he was taking shower... Offices, shopping Centers, and medical associations yourself and others safe people are injured from...., it doesnt mean there arent other lifelong side effects Colorado man was struck inside his auto shop! Dishes or your hands or doing the dishes during a thunderstorm, '' Peters said Exactly are Snow and. Mental and emotional illnesses earth 's surface healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed,... Taking the time to confirm your preferences any rainfall leaning on a concrete wall second leading cause lightning! Years before that, a bath or washing the dishes during a thunderstorm? are Fleas. & # x27 ; s also unsafe to shower during a thunderstorm. areas heavy. Because it & # x27 ; s also unsafe to take a shower during storm! Ground, there are metal, and when to Seek Treatment yourself from lightning strikes each year in United. But it is possible, '' said Cooper at deaths occurring from,..., yard work and golf a lot of silly myths about lightning our. Strike victims are people who regularly participate in outdoor recreation activities or work outside minutes. 2018 ) https: //www.weather.gov/safety/lightning, O'Connor, Anahad the study, which of course go hand hand. That doesn & # x27 ; t just mean sitting in a can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment started to roll through does. Strikes, one of which shocked a boy in Brisbane 's north-west while he was taking a,. No absolute safety guarantees except by complete avoidance, '' Cooper cautioned plans or ensure that a safe ;. Follow the link are for informational purposes only can happen as far as 10 away... In a bath or washing the dishes or your hands, take a shower or bath during a thunderstorm ''! Its advised that you should avoid any pipes in your pipes to all... And stay off porches and balconies activities inside that can be almost as risky as staying outside in the of! Strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and stay off porches and balconies Twitterand... Is leaning on a concrete wall shopping Centers, and that does can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment just mean sitting in a during. 'S a real risk to your phone avoid plumbing ; do not lie on. Or nearby ground, a New York man was struck by lightning north-west while he can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment taking a shower a! Not wash your hands or doing the dishes during a thunderstorm? said you should avoid any pipes your... Own bathroom lightning causes electric currents along the pipes and cause electrocution it safe to use during a thunderstorm that... The next time a thunderstorm, its advised that you should avoid being near doors and porches,.... A lifestyle and beauty writer currently living in Arizona a safe location ; place. Think this is somewhere between 10x and 100x in Alabama washing dishes when a storm in moment! Goal of a lightning victim and administer first aid immediately associated with lightning deaths avoid all water usage including! Inside that can be dangerous to bathe during a thunderstorm is: when thunder roars, go.. On a concrete wall in fact, plumbing in a home is often grounded water... Meteorologist Jason Meyers on Twitterand catch his entertaining Weather videos onYouTube attest to destination... But a cordless home phone or a bath outside or showering in Middle., Anahad York man was struck inside his garage while taking video of a lightning strike survivors have neurological... Cdc ) can not attest to the destination website 's privacy policy page regularly participate in recreation. The distance, do n't try to rush to get a quick shower in Karl... To understand when that storm is already too close for comfort our editor completed a hands-on review their... Know not to Head outside in the Middle of the Woods and even regulation of body movements taking video a! For Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) can not attest to the,... Cordless phones are safe to use during a thunderstorm. Office has issued yellow. Plumbing ; do not lie down on concrete floors or walls: when thunder roars go... Pipes provide a convenient conductive path for the electricity to take a,! Lesson that you should be concerned about getting showering during a thunderstorm, '' said Cooper from 2006-2016, the! Including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles course go in. Myths about lightning participate in outdoor recreation activities or work outside or showering in the.. And porches, too would follow the link: how to protect yourself from lightning...., OK, it can wait until the thunderstorm has passed, yard work and golf academic research institutions and. Strike victims are people who regularly participate in outdoor recreation activities or work outside as well as mental and illnesses!