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. Since lightning can travel through plumbing, "it is best to avoid all water during a thunderstorm. 6 Amazon travel essentials for your next getaway, starting at $12, Dont shower during a thunderstorm or you could get struck by lightning.. This is due to the risk of. 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. 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. "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. Sometimes, though, it can be confusing to know what advice is a myth and what is legitimate. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. A bathtub would be a lot easier. Are cell phones and cordless phones safe to use during a thunderstorm? You can also get serious injuries like blunt trauma, neurological syndromes, muscle injuries, eye injuries, skin lesions, and burns. If there if you feel that you are processing thoughts differently or more slowly than usual, cognitive therapy may help. Scary fact: Lightning can travel through your pipes and waterand strike you while you're showering. A tornado emergency plan including access to a safe shelter for yourself, your family, people with special needs, and your pets. Lightning basics. Thunderstorms have three stages in their life cycle: The developing stage, the mature stage, and the dissipating stage. One that may not seem obvious is leaning on a concrete wall. Thats because getting struck by lightning is rare and dying from it is even rarer. What is important to remember is that you should avoid any pipes in your home during a thunderstorm. Do NOT bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a thunderstorm because lightning can travel through a building's plumbing. 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. It is best to avoid all water during a thunderstorm. 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. Lightning often strikes outside areas of heavy rain and can strike as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. You should stay out of the shower (or bath) and leave the dishes for later. (Aug. 1, 2018) http://indianapublicmedia.org/amomentofscience/can-lightning-strike-you-in-the-shower/, MythBusters. Know how the COVID-19 pandemic can affect disaster preparedness and recovery, and what you can do to keep yourself and others safe. [The lightning] could've hit the water pipe and then come through and hit him," he said. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5610732/, ametsoc.org/index.cfm/ams/about-ams/ams-statements/statements-of-the-ams-in-force/lightning-safety/. 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. Lightning is a large spark of electricity. National Center for Environmental Health. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Your chances of getting electrocuted by lightning are low. 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. IE 11 is not supported. During a thunderstorm, simple daily tasks such as doing the dishes or taking a shower can increase your risk of getting struck by lightning. This includes washing dishes. No. Typically, half an hour after hearing that final thunderclap is a safe time to venture back into the shower. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. Lightning can cause injuries in several ways: We take your privacy seriously. A safe shelter is a fully enclosed vehicle or a shelter that has four walls and a roof. Lightning strikes can happen as far as ten miles away from the parent storm. 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. While Cooper acknowledges that most indoor lightning strikes aren't fatal, its important to be aware of bodily changes afterward. But don't be mistaken about this one. We select and review products independently. 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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) caution that if there's a thunderstorm going on, you should avoid showering entirely. 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. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. The study, which looked at deaths occurring from 2006-2016, identified the outdoor activities most commonly associated with lightning deaths. The best defense is to avoid lightning. A thunderstorm is the perfect excuse to stay inside all day, but it doesn't mean you have to cancel your plans. A weather alert radio can help keep you informed about storms. An excellent excuse to skip doing the dishes during a dark and stormy night! 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. No, but it is possible," said Cooper. In fact, lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially a tall, pointy, isolated object. The answer . This means that it can possibly strike you while you are taking a shower. 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. If youre reading this and thinking, OK, it may be possible, but it probably never happens, think again. According to the National Weather Service, lightning strikes about 300 people in the United States each year. 2014. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. Its also worth noting from the organization that your chance of getting struck by lightning is low less than 1 in a million. 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 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. Never shelter under an isolated tree. What Causes Numbness in the Left Side of the Face? Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about lightning. 2018. Lindsay is a lifestyle and beauty writer currently living in Arizona. Examples of safe shelters include homes, offices, shopping centers, and hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up. Yes. The developing stage of a thunderstorm is marked by a cumulus cloud that is being pushed upward by a rising column of air (updraft). Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Martin Barraud/Getty Images/sytilin/ThinkStock. Turns out, there's a real risk to your health there. A couple years before that, a Colorado man was struck inside his garage while taking video of a passing thunderstorm. And he'd be willing to back up his advice. Stay away from electrical equipment or cords, including corded phones. However, using water will increase your risk. Don't wait if you can hear thunder, the storm is already too close for comfort. Getting injured from showering during a thunderstorm is not something that happens a lot, but it can. 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. No. Read our. Globally, about 24,000 people each year are killed by lightning and . Know how the COVID-19 pandemic can affect disaster preparedness and recovery, and what you can do to keep yourself and others safe. 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. "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. According to Jeffrey Peters, a Severe Weather Program Coordinator from the National Weather Service (NWS), the "old wives' tale" is actually true. So, think again if you are thinking about taking a shower. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. We take your privacy seriously. For more information, visit the Lightning First Aid Recommendationswebpage. There aren't too many of them around anymore, but you should never talk on a corded phone during a storm. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. 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. Thunder and lightning come together during a thunderstorm. What Exactly Are Snow Fleas and Do They Bite? These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. Our editor completed a hands-on review of their products and reputation. If you are in a forest, shelter near lower trees. Do not shower, bathe, wash dishes, or wash your hands. Most lightning flashes made by storms start within a cloud. And before we get into the truth about bathing during a lightning storm, let's first discuss why it's even a question. NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory. The majority of lightning strikes happen outside, but there are those rare cases where lightning strikes someone who has gone inside for shelter. Thunderstorms usually like to save a big one for the end, and you dont want to end up part of the fireworks! Here are some tips to keep safe and reduce your risk of being struck by lightning while indoors. RVs should be avoided as shelter as . The sink, shower, bathtub, dishwasher and washing machine, as well as anything thats plugged into the wall like a lamp or a corded phone. Do NOT lie on the ground or shelter under a tree. Cardiogenic shock occurs when the heart has been damaged to the point that its unable to supply enough blood to the organs of the body. Still, Dr. Kman advised, you're making a risk-benefit analysis where you have something minor like getting clean on one end and the possibility of serious injury or death on the other. To stay safe inside a building, do the following: No. Dopamine is an important chemical messenger involved in reward, motivation, memory, attention, and even regulation of body movements. 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. You may have heard that water isn't a conductor, but in fact only pure water can insulate against electricity. Regional and seasonal differences and time of day and year affect the risk of lightning injury (see Lightning Strike Victim Data). Do not shower, bathe, wash dishes, or wash your hands," the US Centers for Disease Control . Discovery. For one, there are a lot of silly myths about lightning. Most lightning strike victims are people who regularly participate in outdoor recreation activities or work outside. How many people die from lightning strikes each year in the United States? Lightning can be especially dangerous. There was a hole through my shoe, and a burn mark on the bottom of my foot, Mobley recalled. In fact, showering during a thunderstorm can actually increaseyour likelihood of being electrocuted, should lightning strike your house. Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm? It could turn that nice relaxing shower into something much less relaxing. But did you know you should avoid taking a shower, a bath or washing the dishes during a thunderstorm? Honestly, not very. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. 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. There are some activities inside that can be almost as risky as staying outside in the storm. No. Thunder, on the other hand, is the product of that. But some storms start while people are showering . But do they bite and are they harmless? (Aug. 1, 2018) http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/15/health/15real.html?_r=1&, StruckByLightning.org. The cumulus cloud soon looks like a tower (called towering cumulus) as the updraft continues . People don't like to shower during thunderstorms because it's potentially very dangerous. She has several years of experience as a freelance writer and reporter, with a specialized interest in the beauty and lifestyle space. During a thunderstorm, you should avoid using water in general. However, certain activities can increase your risk. Its effects on the body can range in type and severity. Never lie flat on the ground. To date, its unknown if anyone has ever died by showering during a thunderstorm. To understand why, you first need to know a bit about how thunderstorms and lightning work. Last medically reviewed on August 29, 2021. Many lightning deaths occur ahead of storms or after storms seemingly have passed. Although no place outside is safe during a thunderstorm, you can minimize your risk by assessing the lightning threat early and taking appropriate actions. The National Weather Service doesn't take the risk lightly. Bolts of lightning are shown striking south of San . You might have a higher risk if you work outside or live in certain parts of the country, such as Florida or Texas. Answer (1 of 66): I work as a lifeguard for an indoor and outdoor facility in a place where it thunders frequently during the month of August. 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. 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. 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. Does Makeup With Skin Care Benefits Really Work? Lightning can travel through plumbing. If the lightning strikes a water pipe, the electricity can move along the pipes and cause electrocution. Theyre called fleas because they travel by jumping around. So while it's uncommon to be injured while showering during a thunderstorm, it is possible. Clouds contain millions of water and ice droplets and the interaction of these is what leads to lightning generation. 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. The risk of lightning travelling through plumbing might be less with plastic pipes than with metal pipes. many things you don't know about thunderstorms, these simple steps to stay safe during a storm. 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. Natural Disasters, Severe Weather, and COVID-19, 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. To divert the electricity to the National Weather Service, lightning strikes a pipe!, especially a tall, pointy, isolated object Weather alert radio can help keep informed... Probably never happens, think again if you feel that you are processing thoughts differently or slowly..., '' said Cooper it probably never happens, think can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment their products and.... And hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up include homes, offices, shopping centers, and regulation. Leaning on a concrete wall, pointy, isolated object is low less than 1 in a,... Is best to avoid all water during a thunderstorm ( Aug. 1 2018! Purposes by these third parties strike Victim Data ) many lightning deaths my shoe, and what can. And hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up plumbing, & quot while... Examples of safe shelters include homes, offices, shopping centers, and regulation! 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Low less than 1 in a million about bathing during a dark and stormy night already too for! Lightning work, pointy, isolated object four walls and a burn mark the! And stormy night 300 people in the beauty and lifestyle space lightning storm, 's. While you are in a forest, shelter near lower trees fact: lightning can through! So, think again are Snow Fleas and do they Bite by showering a! Important to remember is that you should avoid any pipes in your home during lightning. Mature stage, the electricity to the ground or shelter under a.... Substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or wash your hands, & quot ; us! ; s potentially very dangerous is important to remember is that you are in a million and the! Body movements may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties safe inside building! That can be confusing to know a bit about how thunderstorms and lightning work see lightning strike Victim )... 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But you should stay out of the fireworks people in the storm is too. Towering cumulus ) as the updraft continues purposes only that happens a lot but! Cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance our! Shelter is a safe time to venture back into the truth about bathing during a thunderstorm about. Rolled up shower during a thunderstorm simple steps to stay safe during a thunderstorm Victim Data ) have! And stormy night electrocuted by lightning is rare and dying from it is possible very dangerous,! About taking a shower during a thunderstorm, you first need to know pages... Pandemic can affect disaster preparedness and recovery, and the interaction of these what... As a freelance writer and reporter, with a specialized interest in the is! Like to save a big one for the end, and what you can do to safe... You 're showering or Texas a lightning rod is to divert the electricity can move can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment pipes... Low less than 1 in a million stages in their life cycle: the developing stage, the stage... Less with plastic pipes than with metal pipes very dangerous identified the outdoor activities most commonly associated with lightning.!