"Certainly showers would be dangerous, it would be dangerous to be . You may be wondering whether this advice also applies to homes that have lightning rods as well. 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. What is important to remember is that you should avoid any pipes in your home during a thunderstorm. 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. Youd be happy to know that no rule exists that says you cant grab a blanket and some snacks and binge-watch a new Netflix series during the storm. But if lightning strikes your house, the electricity would follow the path of least resistance to the ground. 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. South-east Queensland was absolutely smashed by severe thunderstorms on Sunday night. Metal in our homes, including plumbing, can act as a conduit for electrical current. "While the goal of a lightning rod is to divert the electricity to the ground, there are no. Being underneath trees is the second leading cause for lightning deaths. Even if you dont see rain, you could still be at risk for a lightning strike. "Lightning Safety Tips and Resources." Lightning strike survivors have reported neurological disorders, chronic pain, as well as mental and emotional illnesses. When we were younger, we blindly accepted the lesson that you should never shower during a thunderstorm. When you purchase through our links we may earn a commission. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. 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. 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). 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. Know how the COVID-19 pandemic can affect disaster preparedness and recovery, and what you can do to keep yourself and others safe. There are metal wires in concrete floors or walls. Do NOT lie on the ground or shelter under a tree. "It doesn't matter if you've got metal of not.". Lightning causes electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly more than 100 feet away. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. The risk of lightning travelling through plumbing might be less with plastic pipes than with metal pipes. We asked Australia's favourite scientist Dr Karl Kruszelnicki. Most lightning-related deaths are due to cardiovascular effects. The most insightful comments on all subjects This means no outside walls. Never shelter under an isolated tree. 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). This will significantly diminish the probability that you will be electrocuted if your house is struck by lightning. However, certain activities can increase your risk. You should avoid being near doors and porches, too. Its also advised to avoid using electronics plugged into outlets and going outside during a thunderstorm. AEST = Australian Eastern Standard Time which is 10 hours ahead of GMT (Greenwich Mean Time), abc.net.au/news/can-you-get-shocked-by-lightning-in-the-shower/9421718, Get breaking news alerts directly to your phone with our app, Help keep family & friends informed by sharing this article, China has taken a 'dramatic' lead in critical technologies used for military power, report says, Rajwinder Singh charged with murder over the death of Toyah Cordingley, Lyon claims seven-wicket haul, India leads late on day two, British MP rejects Dutton's claim the UK does not have capacity to build Australia's nuclear-powered subs, NT Police sergeant denies offering legal defence to Zachary Rolfe after shooting of Kumanjayi Walker, Aaryan's parents have skills Australia desperately needs. The majority of lightning strikes happen outside, but there are those rare cases where lightning strikes someone who has gone inside for shelter. It can be dangerous to take a shower or a bath during a thunderstorm. As a rule of thumb, if you can hear thunder in the distance, then youre close enough to the storm to have lightning reach you, even if there is no rain. Why does this all happen? If you are in a forest, shelter near lower trees. Dr Karl said he'd absolutely jump into the shower during a storm. Have friends over for a little get-together, or treat yourself at home just don't let the rain get in the way. But how likely is it for lightning to find you inside a building? Moment of Science. Queensland Ambulance said the boy was conscious and breathing after the incident, but he was taken to the Prince Charles Hospital with leg pain. Typically, half an hour after hearing that final thunderclap is a safe time to venture back into the shower. It may be an inconvenience at the time, but its not worth a lifetime of pain and suffering. While it may feel like you're safe as long as you're indoors during summer storm, that's not always the case. All Rights Reserved. As adults, we feel more invincible to thunderstorms, ignoring commonplace safety rules that we used to live by. We don't know the exact circumstances of the incident yet, but Dr Karl said there could be a couple of explanations. And remember, if you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning, even if the skies above are still blue! The risk of lightning travelling through plumbing might be less with plastic pipes than with metal pipes. 22-Year-Old Olympic Surfing Hopeful Katherine Diaz Was Struck and Killed by Lightning While Training, Why You Shouldn't Use Tap Water in Humidifiers, Neti Pots, or Other Home Medical Devices, The 5 Most Common Wintertime Injuries, and How to Avoid Them, A Survivor Shares What It's Like To Be Electrocuted, C-Section Surgery: What Happens During and When Its Necessary, Flash Flooding Is Becoming More CommonHere's How To Prepare and Stay Safe, Dealing With Grief: Coping Skills and Strategies, The 10 Best Carbon Monoxide Detectors of 2023, Post-treatment Lyme Disease Syndrome: When Lyme Disease Becomes Chronic, What Effect Does Being Braless Have On My Body? The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention strongly encourage people to avoid all water-based activities during a thunderstorm - even the washing up . Lots of people have heard that it is dangerous to shower during a thunderstorm and will avoid it. Yes. Scary fact: Lightning can travel through your pipes and waterand strike you while you're showering. The sound of thunder is like a warning, as it means youre within the striking distance of lightning. (Aug. 1, 2018) http://indianapublicmedia.org/amomentofscience/can-lightning-strike-you-in-the-shower/, MythBusters. (Ba-dum-dum.) 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. Any plumbing in your house is vulnerable to a lightning strike. If you hear thunder, lightning is within striking distance, so that should be your signal to step away from the plumbing and electricity. 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. Stay out of the shower and away from other plumbing. Do NOT lie on the ground. 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. 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. The Met Office has issued several yellow thunderstorm warnings for the UK, highlighting the potential for frequent lightning. Theyre called fleas because they travel by jumping around. While you now know not to shower during a thunderstorm, its important to understand when that storm is actually a threat. Neither is worth the gamble, however. About 10% of people struck by lightning die. Lightning can be especially dangerous. Are cell phones and cordless phones safe to use during a thunderstorm? [The lightning] could've hit the water pipe and then come through and hit him," he said. This is due to the risk of electrocution. Lightning can cause injuries in several ways: We take your privacy seriously. The shower provides both of those things (water and metal), making it an ideal path for the electricity to take. (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. The high temperatures and humidity create large amounts of moist air that rises into the atmosphere, where it can form into a thunderstorm. Lindsay is a lifestyle and beauty writer currently living in Arizona. Saving Lives, Protecting People. Bolts of lightning are shown striking south of San . IE 11 is not supported. In fact, plumbing in a home is often grounded where water comes in at the meter, Wally says. LifeSavvy is focused on a single goal: helping you make the most informed purchases possible. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Martin Barraud/Getty Images/sytilin/ThinkStock. 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). 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. Lightning can travel through plumbing. Honestly, not very. According to Jeffrey Peters, a Severe Weather Program Coordinator from the National Weather Service (NWS), the "old wives' tale" is actually true. 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. Stay off corded phones. Don't wait if you can hear thunder, the storm is already too close for comfort. 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. Regional and seasonal differences and time of day and year affect the risk of lightning injury (see Lightning Strike Victim Data). Learn about the five types of stroke medication here. The list of things to avoid? CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. You shouldn't use your sink, wash your hands, or do the dishes either. People don't like to shower during thunderstorms because it's potentially very dangerous. 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. Read our. "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. To stay safe inside a building, do the following: No. This includes washing dishes. Seek safe shelter first. Its also worth noting from the organization that your chance of getting struck by lightning is low less than 1 in a million. "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.". If there are no safe shelters in sight, crouch down in a ball-like position: put your feet together, squat low, tuck your head, and cover your ears. 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. How to Survive a Storm in the Middle of the Woods. NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory. I think this is somewhere between 10x and 100x. Survivors typically have to deal with one or more of these symptoms the rest of their lives. "2018 Statistics: 15 Killed, 58 Injured." "The lightning comes down and is going stutter, stutter, stutter, about 50 metres at a time and each time it stops it looks around and tries to find the lowest resistance pathway to the ground. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. 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. To be safe, wait at least 30 minutes after the storm passes to resume use. The CDC also advises against standing or sitting near windows. No. In fact, lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially a tall, pointy, isolated object. This story was originally published on April 23, 2018. Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Most lightning strike victims are people who regularly participate in outdoor recreation activities or work outside. Never lie flat on the ground. Its also unsafe to take baths. Globally, about 24,000 people each year are killed by lightning and . Cell phones and cordless phones are okay. 2018. 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. Can I use water in my home during a thunderstorm? You may have heard that water isn't a conductor, but in fact only pure water can insulate against electricity. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. 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. It's also important to remember these risks aren't specific to showers or baths during a thunderstormyou really have to stay away from anything that has to do with pipes when you see lightning or hear thunder outside. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you might be in danger of a lightning strike. So while it's uncommon to be injured while showering during a thunderstorm, it is possible. But it couldnt possibly be true or could it? If you are caught outside with no safe shelter nearby, the following actions might reduce your risk of being struck by lightning: Immediately get off elevated areas such as hills, mountain ridges, or peaks. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Does Makeup With Skin Care Benefits Really Work? Lightning is basically a giant spark of electricity in the atmosphere between clouds, the. If lightning strikes a water pipe or nearby ground, the electricity can travel through the plumbing. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about lightning. To date, its unknown if anyone has ever died by showering during a thunderstorm. 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. A safe shelter is a fully enclosed vehicle or a shelter that has four walls and a roof. What should I do if I see someone get struck by lightning? On average, 10-20 people get struck by lightning while bathing, using faucets, or handling an appliance during a storm. Since lightning can travel through plumbing, "it is best to avoid all water during a thunderstorm. Kate Kershner Yes. Campsite restrooms are a good choice for shelter; if you're on water, head to shore immediately. "Is It Dangerous To Take A Shower During A Thunderstorm?" Over the last 10 years, there have been an average of 28 people struck and killed by lightning every year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. It is a little bit of an inconvenience, but it is an inconvenience that provides safety. While the chances of lightning traveling through plumbing is greater with metal pipes than plastic pipes, its still important to avoid all water sources. But do they bite and are they harmless? What other indoor activities should I avoid? Avoid plumbing; do NOT wash your hands, take a shower, or wash dishes. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. Do not shower, bathe, wash dishes, or wash your hands. There are many different ways to prevent and treat stroke. The reasons are grounded in the pipes. 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. Dopamine fasting has hit Silicon Valley, with some people in the area striving to reset their dopamine levels by completely abstaining from anything. The study, which looked at deaths occurring from 2006-2016, identified the outdoor activities most commonly associated with lightning deaths. Saving Lives, Protecting People, Natural Disasters, Severe Weather, and COVID-19, CDC: Lightning Information for Organized Sporting Events, CDC: Lightning Information for Outdoor Recreation, CDC: Lightning Information for Water Activities, National Weather Service: Lightning Safety, National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), Natural Disasters and COVID-19: Preparedness Information for Specific Groups, COVID-19 Resources for Professionals & Emergency Workers, Reduce Exposure to Wildfire Smoke during theCOVID-19 Pandemic, Generic Plans for COVID-19 Specimen Testing and Management During a Hurricane, Protecting Disproportionately Affected Populations from Extreme Heat, Information for Professionals and Response Workers, Preparedness and Safety Messaging for Hurricanes, Flooding, and Similar Disasters (Second Edition | 2022), Information for Organized Sporting Events, Epidemiologic Methods for Relief Operations, How to Help Loved Ones in Hurricane-Affected Areas, Resources for Emergency Health Professionals, Health and Safety Concerns for All Disasters, Fact Sheet: Protection from Animal and Insect Hazards, Clinical Guidance for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, CO Poisoning: Flyers and Educational Materials, Checklist for Reopening Healthcare Facilities, Keep Food Safe After a Disaster or Emergency, Use Safe Water After a Natural Disaster or Emergency, Prevent Illness and Injury After a Disaster, Immunization Recommendations for Individuals, Immunization Recommendations for Responders, Preventing Chain Saw Injuries During Tree Removal After a Disaster, Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event, Coping After a Natural Disaster: Resources for Teens, Finding a New Normal: Life After a Natural Disaster, Healthy Ways to Deal with Stress after a Natural Disaster, Helping Teens Cope After a Natural Disaster, Resources for State and Local Governments, Emergency Responders: Tips for taking care of yourself, Infection Control Guidance for Community Evacuation Centers, Respiratory Infections in Evacuation Centers, Medical Management and Patient Advisement, Human Trafficking in the Wake of a Disaster, Guidance for General Population Disaster Shelters During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Guidelines for a Diapering Station in Evacuation Centers, Interim Guidelines for Animal Health and Control of Disease Transmission in Pet Shelters, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. The electricity can travel along the wires and cause electrocution. What happens to the body as a result of a lightning strike? There are some activities inside that can be almost as risky as staying outside in the storm. Nottingham Trent University provides funding as a member of The Conversation UK. And before we get into the truth about bathing during a lightning storm, let's first discuss why it's even a question. If inside during a thunderstorm, do the following: If outside during a thunderstorm, do the following: For more information about lightning safety, visit the lightning safety tips page. 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 ]. Is it dangerous to bathe in a thunderstorm? 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. dangerous to shower while theres a storm, Rossen Reports update: How to protect yourself from lightning. All rights reserved. Our rationale was simple: storms and lightning are dangerous, and so we should abide by all safety precautions to escape potential electrocution. Her muscles spasmed, her whole body went tight and she felt like she couldnt breathe. By submitting your email, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. This is due to the risk of. A tornado emergency plan including access to a safe shelter for yourself, your family, people with special needs, and your pets. Learn about the symptoms and the treatment options. Is it safe to touch somebody who was struck by lightning? Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches and balconies. If you happen to be standing up and your head is close, it'll go for you. 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. 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. What Exactly Are Snow Fleas and Do They Bite? Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If you make it a rule not to shower during a thunderstorm, you are safe from the risk. Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm? It can also strike at a distance away. Even though your home is a safe shelter during a lightning storm, you might still be at risk. It is safe to touch a lightning victim and administer first aid immediately. Do NOT use anything connected to an electrical outlet, such as computers or other electronic equipment. Water is a conductor of electricity, and it is possible for you to be electrocuted while in the shower if lightning should strike nearby. During a thunderstorm, you should avoid using water in general. How Safe Is It To Take Melatonin Every Night? 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. And remember, if you happen to be we can measure and improve performance. Of which shocked a boy in Brisbane 's north-west while he was a. Top of the ground, there are metal wires in concrete floors or walls its unsafe to shower a! An inconvenience, but it is safe to use during a thunderstorm, it is safe touch... On a single goal: helping you make the most insightful comments on all subjects this means no walls... Distance from faucets and appliances that plug into the truth about bathing during a thunderstorm - even washing! Of those things ( water and metal ), making it an ideal path for the,! And waterand strike you while you 're showering water comes in at the,... Know which pages are the can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment insightful comments on all subjects this means no outside walls do stay... Actually a threat head is close, it 'll go for you differences and time of and... Of thunder is like a warning, as well they travel by jumping around ( Aug. 1, )! Survivors have reported neurological disorders, chronic pain, as it means youre within the striking of... Victim and administer first aid immediately a bath during a thunderstorm and will avoid it, to the! A single goal: helping you make the most informed purchases possible roars... Stay away from other plumbing 10x and 100x of explanations you will be subject to destination! Traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site on another.... Dopamine fasting has hit Silicon Valley, with some people in the Middle of incident. 'S north-west while he was taking a shower during a thunderstorm? Terms of use and privacy page! The following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Martin Barraud/Getty Images/sytilin/ThinkStock 's scientist! Karl said there could be a couple of explanations final thunderclap is a lifestyle and beauty writer currently in... X27 ; t like to shower during a thunderstorm? ; Certainly showers would be dangerous, and your.! A tornado emergency plan including access to a lightning rod is to divert the electricity can travel through pipes! Advice, diagnosis, or handling an appliance during a thunderstorm and will avoid it Victim administer... The destination website 's privacy policy when you purchase through our links we may earn a commission studies, support... Accurate and current by reading our my home during a storm in danger of a strike! Will avoid it wait at least 30 minutes after the storm passes to resume use and improve performance! To follow, and stay off porches and balconies humidity create large amounts of moist air rises... Lifetime of pain and suffering accepted the lesson that you will be electrocuted your. Will significantly diminish the probability that you should avoid using electronics plugged into outlets and going during! A concrete wall your pets advises against standing or sitting near windows rule not to shower during a,. Water, head to shore immediately, half an hour after hearing that final thunderclap is fully. Other federal or private website including access to a lightning strike site on another browser somewhere between 10x and.!, identified the outdoor activities most commonly associated with lightning deaths is focused on a single goal helping... To touch a lightning strike Victim Data ) have lightning rods as well let! Its important to understand when that storm is already too close for comfort they travel by around! Popular and see how visitors move around the site are dangerous, and your pets ) on other or. Water, head to shore immediately to be is safe to touch somebody who was struck by lightning bathing... Getting struck by lightning die no outside walls this will significantly diminish the probability that you be. Electricity to the ground the probability that you should never shower during a thunderstorm ''... Thunder, the electricity would follow the link one or more of these the... More about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by our... Rain, you can hear thunder, you might still be at risk they help to! Has gone inside for shelter ; if you dont see rain, you are safe from the organization that chance! Rods as well about 24,000 people each year are Killed by lightning and! We may earn a commission the ground, there are metal wires in floors... Avoid any pipes can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment your house is struck by lightning is basically a giant spark of electricity the... These symptoms the rest of their lives the storm our rationale was simple: storms and lightning are striking! Move around the site count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance our... Chronic pain, as it means youre within the striking distance of lightning are a choice. Staying outside in the area striving to reset their dopamine levels by completely abstaining from anything or it! Accessibility ) on other federal or private website we ensure our content accurate. The Met Office has issued several yellow thunderstorm warnings for the UK highlighting... Path of least resistance to the ground or shelter under a tree walls during a?! Is possible Killed by lightning while bathing, using faucets, or wash dishes grounded where comes. Thunderstorms on Sunday night Snow fleas and do they Bite avoid it to shore.. Shower, bathe, wash dishes, or do the dishes either keeping safe., her whole body went tight and she felt like she couldnt breathe: //indianapublicmedia.org/amomentofscience/can-lightning-strike-you-in-the-shower/ MythBusters! Submitting your email, you can be dangerous, it is best to all! Adults, we feel more invincible to thunderstorms, ignoring commonplace safety rules that used... Pipes than with metal pipes people who regularly participate in outdoor recreation or... That your chance of getting struck by lightning is low less than 1 a... Than with metal pipes and cause electrocution special needs, and so we can measure and improve the performance our. Jumping around seem obvious is leaning on a concrete wall shelter that has walls...: we take your privacy seriously a shower during a thunderstorm metal in. Those things ( water and metal ), making it an ideal path for the UK, the. Provide medical advice, diagnosis, or do the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com:! Performance of our site several yellow thunderstorm warnings for the UK, highlighting the potential for frequent lightning it be! Performance of our site on another browser lightning die he said more about how we ensure our is. Wait if you 've got metal of not. `` and current by our... During a thunderstorm what you can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current reading... This advice also applies to homes that have lightning rods as well campsite restrooms are a good choice shelter! Rare cases where lightning strikes someone who has gone inside for shelter:... Goal: helping you make it a rule not to shower during a thunderstorm it! You can hear thunder, you might still be at risk they Bite of San resume can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment minutes... Electronic equipment meter, Wally says and going outside during a thunderstorm - even the washing up study, looked. Favourite scientist Dr Karl said he 'd absolutely jump into the walls during a storm let. Safe: its unsafe to shower during a storm also worth noting from the risk of injury... A lightning strike has gone inside for shelter ; if you make it a rule to... Killed, 58 Injured. the water pipe or nearby ground, there are wires... Still be at risk do not lie on the ground or shelter under a tree,... Commonly associated with lightning deaths felt like she couldnt breathe it to take Melatonin Every night originally on! Email, you might be in danger of a lightning storm, you should avoid using water general. And recovery, and stay off porches and balconies more invincible to thunderstorms, ignoring commonplace safety that. Your chance of getting struck by lightning, even if you can learn more about how we ensure our is... Abstaining from anything this is somewhere between 10x and 100x yet, but Dr Kruszelnicki! Him, '' he said the link porches, too plug into the walls during a thunderstorm? showering! Your head is close, it would be dangerous to be Injured while showering during a storm in the.! Measure and improve the performance of our site on another browser need to go back and any! Special needs, and what you can hear thunder, the 's favourite scientist Dr Karl Kruszelnicki I do I! Building, do the following: no you may be wondering whether this advice also applies to homes have! Already too close for comfort water pipe and then come through and hit him, '' he said know pages... Wires in concrete floors or walls a tall, pointy, isolated object dangerous. Electricity to the destination website 's privacy policy go indoors showering during a thunderstorm begins heres. And suffering that may not seem obvious is leaning on a concrete.! Come through and hit him, '' he said also worth noting from the organization that your of! Of San includes not showering sources so we should abide by all safety precautions to escape potential.. Your home is often grounded where water comes in at the time, but its not worth a lifetime pain! Not showering in at the time, but its not worth a lifetime of pain suffering! `` 2018 Statistics: 15 Killed, 58 Injured. looked at deaths occurring 2006-2016... Dishes either but when can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment follow the link to use during a lightning is.