Stay away from water, electrical outlets, and concrete walls and floors.
Some people find thunderstorms exciting to watch. Others may find they trigger fears and phobias, leaving them running for cover under the bed. Whether you find them fascinating or frightful, thunderstorms can wreak havoc. Each year about 20 people in the US are struck and killed by lightning and more people suffer life-altering permanent injuries. This includes seizures, burns, muscle pain, eye damage, sensory loss and more.
Here’s what the National Weather Service says you shouldn’t do if and when one strikes.
Don’t shower
You may have heard the advice to avoid having a shower or bath in a storm before and thought it was a bit of a myth. Actually, there’s truth to it. You should avoid taking a shower in a thunderstorm because lightning has been known to travel through plumbing. This can be more likely to occur with metal plumbing over plastic pipes. Lightning can travel through new plumbing as well, however. In addition, any impurities in the water can also help conduct an electrical current through your pipes.
In general, you should avoid contact with water in your home during a thunderstorm which includes washing the dishes, taking a bath or shower, and even washing your hands. Lightning strikes in unexpected and unpredictable ways. The average thunderstorm lasts about 30 minutes and waiting it out is a small price to pay when it comes to protecting your life.
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Don’t use a corded phone
Cell phones and cordless phones are safe to use during a thunderstorm but it’s best to avoid corded landlines. Anything connected to an electrical outlet can be dangerous during a thunderstorm. Lightning that strikes near an electrical pole can cause a sudden burst of electricity through the lines and come into your home. You risk being electrocuted and worse if you’re using your corded phone or an appliance that’s plugged in when lightning is nearby. Wait until later to make that call, (unless you’re calling 911 of course), and heat your food after the storm has passed.
Don’t lie down on concrete floors or walls
This is one many people may not have heard of before. Experts advise you avoid lying down on or leaning on concrete floors and walls when lightning is nearby. Concrete flooring and walls contain metal wires and bars called rebar that make it stronger and help with the structural integrity of the building. While unlikely, lightning can actually pass through these bars and injure you.
If you’re caught outside in a thunderstorm, seek shelter. If none is to be found, stay away from water and high, open areas. Seek out the lowest ground with a thick undergrowth of smaller bushes and trees. Crouch down into a small ball and stay put until the storm passes. Stay away from things like golf carts, lawnmowers and bikes that can conduct electricity.
For more tips on how to stay safe during a thunderstorm, click here.
photo credits: Mia Stendal/Shutterstock.com
