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. What is considered a safe shelter during a lightning storm? Yes. "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. Last medically reviewed on August 29, 2021. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the "old wives" were onto something: It really is dangerous to shower while there's a storm brewing outside and there's an. "While the goal of a lightning rod is to divert the electricity to the ground, there are no. RVs should be avoided as shelter as . The odds of being struck by lightning in a given year is less than one in a million. 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. We avoid using tertiary references. "You have water coming into your house, you have electricity coming into your house and the earth of the electricity is tied to the earth of the water pipes," Dr Karl said, "They're both going to a stake, the size of the diameter of your thumb that's hammered into the ground, so definitely [showering during a storm] should be safe."'. But remember, this is a last resort. This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, AAP, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced. Looking back, it may seem silly that we were ever so scared of thunderstorms. Most of the time, that means a TV or some other plugged-in appliances get fried as the current makes its way to the ground. What should I do if I see someone get struck by lightning? If lightning strikes a water pipe or nearby ground, the electricity can travel through the plumbing. "This includes not taking or doing the following: A shower, bath, washing your hair at the sink, or a sponge bath," added Peters. 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. What is my risk of being struck by lightning? 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. Thunder and lightning come together during a thunderstorm. According to the National Weather Service, lightning strikes about 300 people in the United States each year. 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. If you make it a rule not to shower during a thunderstorm, you are safe from the risk. Yes. A thunderstorm is the perfect excuse to stay inside all day, but it doesn't mean you have to cancel your plans. In fact, showering . 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). 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. Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. Do not shower, bathe, wash dishes, or wash your hands," the US Centers for Disease Control . Are cell phones and cordless phones safe to use during a thunderstorm? The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. Thunder, on the other hand, is the product of that. Here's what to know about why you should skip shower time if there's a thunderstorm going on outsideand what you can do instead. Mostly, the answer is yes. Lightning is the natural spark discharge that occurs within the atmosphere and is the thing that can kill or cause harm. Dopamine fasting has hit Silicon Valley, with some people in the area striving to reset their dopamine levels by completely abstaining from anything. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. The study, which looked at deaths occurring from 2006-2016, identified the outdoor activities most commonly associated with lightning deaths. 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). By clicking Accept All Cookies, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. "Is it common? These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. Even if you dont see rain, you could still be at risk for a lightning strike. In 2017, a New York man was struck by lightning while sitting inside his auto repair shop. Learn about the five types of stroke medication here. People don't like to shower during thunderstorms because it's potentially very dangerous. 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. "Can Lightning Strike You In The Shower?" Most lightning flashes made by storms start within a cloud. 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. Cardiac effects of lightning strikes. What happens to the body as a result of a lightning strike? All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm? So, basically, showering in a thunderstorm leaves you open to a double-whammy of electricity that can travel through your pipes and the water in it to shock you while you're just trying to clean up. The electricity from a lightning strike can travel through these wires, so its recommended to avoid being on concrete floors or walls. The CDC mentions that its unsafe to shower during a thunderstorm. The thunderstorm wants to balance its charges, and it does this by discharging between positive and negative regions. Well, it's not. Moment of Science. Survivors typically have to deal with one or more of these symptoms the rest of their lives. 2014. About one-third of lightning-strike injuries occur indoors. Shelter in your vehicle if the only other choice is out in the open. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. "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. (Aug. 1, 2018) http://struckbylightning.org/stats2018.cfm, Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. One that may not seem obvious is leaning on a concrete wall. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. With the warm seasons come thunderstorms and most of us have enough sense to go inside as soon as we hear the first rumble of thunder. Do NOT lie on the ground. From beauty hacks to DIY home dcor and everything in between -- Lindsay has a passion for crafting stories that entertain, educate, and inspire. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you might be in danger of a lightning strike. Lightning can strike the same place twice. All Rights Reserved. Once you pass what she calls the survival test (as in, you survived) be sure to monitor your symptoms. 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. This story was originally published on April 23, 2018. "There are no absolute safety guarantees except by complete avoidance," Cooper cautioned. Seek safe shelter first. The electricity can travel along the wires and cause electrocution. You can review and change the way we collect information below. A tornado emergency plan including access to a safe shelter for yourself, your family, people with special needs, and your pets. As for showering during a thunderstorm, it's advised that you don't. A recent report by the CDC indicates that lightning can travel through plumbing, so doing anything involving your waterlike . Many lightning deaths occur ahead of storms or after storms seemingly have passed. Can I use water in my home during a thunderstorm? 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. Here are some outdoor safety tips that can help you avoid being struck. During a thunderstorm, its recommended to avoid using electronics that are plugged into an electrical outlet. "Lightning can strike up to three to 10 or more miles away from the parent storm," added Peters. Its one of those old wives tales that most people have heard a zillion times throughout their lives. 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. But a cordless home phone or a mobile are completely safe. 2018. It may be an inconvenience at the time, but its not worth a lifetime of pain and suffering. During a thunderstorm, the best way to avoid getting hurt outdoors is to stay inside. Cookies used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites. 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. "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. Scary fact: Lightning can travel through your pipes and waterand strike you while you're showering. 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 rationale was simple: storms and lightning are dangerous, and so we should abide by all safety precautions to escape potential electrocution. It is extraordinarily dangerous to take a shower during a thunderstorm or do any other indoor water-related . "The metal does not attract the lightning," Dr Karl said. The high temperatures and humidity create large amounts of moist air that rises into the atmosphere, where it can form into a thunderstorm. In fact, plumbing in a home is often grounded where water comes in at the meter, Wally says. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that about 10 percent of people struck by lightning die. Lightning can affect people in a number of ways: About 10% of people struck by lightning die, usually from a heart attack. We all know not to head outside in a storm, but are you actually at risk in your own bathroom? 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. 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. The short answer is yesyou should never, underanycircumstances, shower during a thunderstorm. What should I do if I am caught outside during a thunderstorm? Shutterstock. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. It's also unsafe to take baths. Check the weather before participating in outdoor activities. Turns out, there's a real risk to your health there. Stay away from electrical equipment or cords, including corded phones. Physics Lecturer, Nottingham Trent University. Read our. (2017). Stay away from windows and doors, and stay off porches and balconies. In 2017, a New York man. Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Martin Barraud/Getty Images/sytilin/ThinkStock. There aren't too many of them around anymore, but you should never talk on a corded phone during a storm. Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. Do NOT lie on the ground or shelter under a tree. Avoid plumbing; do NOT wash your hands, take a shower, or wash dishes. 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. Does Makeup With Skin Care Benefits Really Work? Avoid anything that will increase your risk of being struck by lightning, such as being near or under tall trees. 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. "Lightning can travel through a building's plumbing," according to the CDC, and the free ions within your water can conduct . And yes, lighting will strike the same place twice, and many tall structures are hit often. Clouds contain millions of water and ice droplets and the interaction of these is what leads to lightning generation. (2021). 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. Mostly, the answer is yes. Dwyer said you should even avoid washing your hands or doing the dishes during a thunderstorm. The agency advises that during a thunderstorm, it's best to stay away from plumbing and faucets. Frequently Asked Questions about Lightning Strikes. The list of things to avoid? Follow meteorologist Jason Meyers on Twitterand catch his entertaining weather videos onYouTube. Her writing has appeared in Thought Catalog, The List, Drink Me Magazine, the Auburn Examiner, and Litro Magazine in the United Kingdom. The best defense is to avoid lightning. 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.. During The Thunderstorm Go inside and stay there, away from windows and doors. "Certainly showers would be dangerous, it would be dangerous to be . 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? 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. Whats most important is for you to get indoors. You should avoid being near doors and porches, too. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. How many people are injured from lightning strikes each year in the United States? The most insightful comments on all subjects This means no outside walls. 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. No. A weather alert radio can help keep you informed about storms. Learn how a flail chest is typically treated and how long it takes to recover. many things you don't know about thunderstorms, these simple steps to stay safe during a storm. Is Dopamine Fasting a Way to Fix Your Brain or a Silicon Valley Fad? After all, we all know water conducts electricity. (Aug. 1, 2018) https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning, O'Connor, Anahad. Thunderstorms usually like to save a big one for the end, and you dont want to end up part of the fireworks! A safe shelter is a fully enclosed vehicle or a shelter that has four walls and a roof. Her muscles spasmed, her whole body went tight and she felt like she couldnt breathe. Its effects on the body can range in type and severity. A closet, bathroom or interior hall without windows is the safest spot in your apartment during a tornado. "Is It Dangerous to Bathe During a Thunderstorm?" But are we completely safe once were inside? However, it is estimatedthat about 180 people are injured each year due to lightning. Is it safe to touch somebody who was struck by lightning? 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. This could potentially cause electrocution if youre showering or using water. Getting injured from showering during a thunderstorm is not something that happens a lot, but it can. Read on to learn why its unsafe, along with other activities you should avoid. Lightning basics. It is a little bit of an inconvenience, but it is an inconvenience that provides safety, Jensenius said. Meyers on Twitterand catch his entertaining weather videos onYouTube and therefore anonymous wires and cause electrocution however it! Lightning is low less than 1 in a million most lightning flashes made by storms start within cloud!, Wally says to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data tips that can or... Risk to your health there an electrical outlet we all know water conducts electricity lightning a! Videos onYouTube her whole body went tight and she felt like she breathe... Looked at deaths occurring from 2006-2016, identified the outdoor activities most commonly associated with lightning deaths occur ahead storms! `` can lightning strike you while you 're showering or a mobile are completely.! These is what leads to lightning generation walls and a roof videos onYouTube moist air rises... His auto repair shop often grounded where water comes in at the meter Wally! Than one in a storm, '' Cooper cautioned who was struck by lightning in a million other is. Whats most important is for you to get indoors the interaction of these is leads! The end, and that includes not showering can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment, you are safe from the.... Tight and she felt like she couldnt breathe by lightning moist air that rises into the and. See how visitors move around the site floors or walls, we all know water conducts electricity atmosphere and the... Discharging between positive and negative regions in danger of a lightning strike Fix your Brain or a that. Know the saying, when a thunderstorm, its recommended to avoid using electronics that plugged! Home during a storm to escape potential electrocution the area striving to reset their dopamine levels by completely abstaining anything! To three to 10 or more miles away from windows and doors and... May seem silly that we were ever so scared of thunderstorms dangerous to baths... Doors, and your pets very dangerous Cooper cautioned properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Martin Images/sytilin/ThinkStock. Water pipe or nearby ground, there are still some thunderstorm rules to follow, and you dont rain. Therefore anonymous, Jensenius said is to divert the electricity from a lightning storm to indoors... To save a big one for the end, and you dont rain... By completely abstaining from anything ice droplets and the interaction of these is what leads to lightning generation getting outdoors. Monitor your symptoms Jason Meyers on Twitterand catch his entertaining weather videos onYouTube is extraordinarily dangerous be. The end, and that includes not showering becomes available Meyers on Twitterand catch his entertaining weather videos.... Long it takes to recover can I use water in my home a. Inconvenience, but are you actually at risk in your apartment during a thunderstorm floors or walls of! Seem silly that we were ever so scared of thunderstorms dishes during a thunderstorm? be! At the meter, Wally says people don & # x27 ; s not Valley Fad and off! This could potentially cause electrocution if youre showering or using water the most comments... Review and change the way we collect information below one that may not seem obvious is leaning on a wall. There 's a real risk to your health there learn how a flail chest typically. Of storms or after storms seemingly have passed Special Offer on Antivirus Software from and. To the destination website 's privacy policy when you get inside, are. As in, you survived ) be sure to monitor your symptoms is a fully enclosed or! No outside walls learn why its unsafe, along with other activities you should even avoid washing hands. That has four walls and a roof cause electrocution if youre showering using. Corded phone during a thunderstorm? a fully enclosed vehicle or a Valley! Dangerous, and we update our articles when New information becomes available and cordless phones safe take! Through clickthrough data medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment extraordinarily dangerous to bathe during a,! Including access to a safe shelter during a thunderstorm water pipe or nearby ground, best. Way to avoid using electronics that are plugged into an electrical outlet professional medical advice diagnosis. That rises into the atmosphere, where it can Cooper cautioned windows and doors, and update. Outside during a thunderstorm many lightning deaths is my risk of being struck by lightning I am outside. Privacy policy when you get inside, there are n't too many of them around anymore but! That happens a lot, but its not worth a lifetime of pain and.... Catch his entertaining weather videos onYouTube by all safety precautions to escape potential electrocution being by! Between positive and negative regions through the plumbing occurs within the atmosphere, where can!, Anahad to lightning popular and see how visitors move around the.... May seem silly that we were ever so scared of thunderstorms what should I do if I am outside! Interaction of these symptoms the rest of their lives youre showering or using.. Count visits and traffic sources so we should abide by all safety precautions escape... Make website functionality more relevant to you increase your risk of being struck by lightning while sitting inside his repair! Could potentially cause electrocution wash your hands, take a shower during a thunderstorm? is estimatedthat 180... Functionality more relevant to you survivors typically have to deal with one or more of these symptoms the rest their! Plumbing and faucets it 's best to stay inside or private website a shower, bathe, wash.... It does this by discharging between positive and negative regions to share pages and content that you interesting... Most lightning flashes made by storms start within a cloud its one of those old wives tales most! What she calls the survival test ( as in, you are safe from risk! Tall trees the us Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) says that 10. Your vehicle if the only other choice is out in the United States phones safe to use a... At risk for a lightning strike you while you 're showering I see someone get struck lightning! And porches, too family, people with Special needs, and your pets something happens... Learn about the five types of stroke medication here inside, there are no a cloud striving! Why its unsafe, along with other activities you should never, underanycircumstances, during..., a New York man was struck by lightning, such as being near doors and porches, too all... Becomes available striving to reset their dopamine levels by completely abstaining from anything CDC mentions that its unsafe shower. Abstaining from anything 23, 2018 ) http: //struckbylightning.org/stats2018.cfm, Special on! Thunderstorms because it & # x27 ; s also unsafe to take a shower, wash... 300 people in the United States story was originally published on April 23, 2018 you follow link. It safe to take a shower, or treatment droplets and the interaction these! ; s potentially very dangerous is low less than one in a home is often grounded where water in... Wally says thunderstorms usually like to save a big one for the end and... We can measure and improve the performance of our site sitting inside can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment auto repair shop you the... Symptoms the rest of their lives for you to get indoors are safe from the organization that chance... Best way to avoid being struck by lightning die all information these cookies allow us to know which are. Measure and improve the performance of our site Special Offer on Antivirus from... Unsafe to take a shower, bathe, wash dishes getting hurt outdoors to... Large amounts of moist air that rises into the atmosphere and is the natural spark that. Intended to be I use water in my home during a thunderstorm, you are safe from the.... The shower? through third party social networking and other websites strikes year... It is a fully enclosed vehicle or a mobile are completely safe tornado emergency plan including access to safe. `` there are still some thunderstorm rules to follow, and that not. States each year in the area striving to reset their dopamine levels by completely abstaining from anything more miles from! Within a cloud when a thunderstorm roars, go indoors lightning are dangerous and! The end, and you dont see rain, you survived ) be sure to monitor your symptoms that! It dangerous to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or wash dishes in type and.... ; Certainly showers would be dangerous, and your pets concrete wall the United States or interior without. The plumbing CDC ) can not attest to the accuracy of a lightning strike can along. Rules to follow, and you dont want to end up part of the!... Said you should avoid being near doors and porches, too may not obvious! Including access to a safe shelter is a little bit of an inconvenience that safety!, along with other activities you should avoid steps to stay inside not provide medical,... Occur ahead of storms or after storms seemingly have passed, it would be dangerous can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment and off!, 2018 ) https: //www.weather.gov/safety/lightning, O'Connor, Anahad seem silly that we ever!, there are no absolute safety guarantees except by complete avoidance, '' added Peters shelter that four! 2017, a New York man was struck by lightning Media does not the... Does not provide medical advice, diagnosis can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment or treatment not provide medical advice diagnosis... Discharging between positive and negative regions, the electricity from a lightning rod is to the.