I saw a flash of light in front of my face, and it was so bright that it burned and I almost fell backward.. And yes, lighting will strike the same place twice, and many tall structures are hit often. Follow meteorologist Jason Meyers on Twitterand catch his entertaining weather videos onYouTube. Because even if you dont die from a lightning strike, it doesnt mean there arent other lifelong side effects. Its also worth noting from the organization that your chance of getting struck by lightning is low less than 1 in a million. Its one of those old wives tales that most people have heard a zillion times throughout their lives. No. 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. All Rights Reserved. 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. 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. In fact, showering . If you consider showering during a thunderstorm, you may want to weigh the risks of injury and possible death with getting clean. We select and review products independently. Crouch down in a ball-like position with your head tucked and hands over your ears so that you are down low with minimal contact with the ground. Does Makeup With Skin Care Benefits Really Work? Metal plumbing and the water inside are excellent conductors of electricity. (2017). (Aug. 1, 2018) https://www.weather.gov/safety/lightning, O'Connor, Anahad. I think this is somewhere between 10x and 100x. Globally, about 24,000 people each year are killed by lightning and another 240,000 are injured. Do not use corded phones. What is considered a safe shelter during a lightning storm? We asked Australia's favourite scientist Dr Karl Kruszelnicki. No. To understand why, you first need to know a bit about how thunderstorms and lightning work. 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Shelter in your vehicle if the only other choice is out in the open. Most lightning strike victims are people who regularly participate in outdoor recreation activities or work outside. Neither is worth the gamble, however. Always see a doctor about loss of sensation. (2021). During a thunderstorm, you should avoid using water in general. While your chance of getting struck by lightning is low, it's important to know how to stay safe during a thunderstorm. The National Weather Service promotes the slogans, go indoors, when thunder roars, and see a flash, dashinside, to explain that you are in danger of being struck if you can see or hear the signs of a storm. IE 11 is not supported. Well, it's not. Lots of people have heard that it is dangerous to shower during a thunderstorm and will avoid it. The most insightful comments on all subjects This means no outside walls. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. "The Claim: Never Bathe or Shower in a Thunderstorm." Its one of the most dangerous parts of a thunderstorm. Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm? Any plumbing in your house is vulnerable to a lightning strike. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. For instance, a plane getting hit by lightning generally isn't really that big of a deal although pilots aren't crazy and do try to avoid thunderstorms, planes are built to safely conduct currents [source: NOAA]. The electricity can travel along the wires and cause electrocution. many things you don't know about thunderstorms, these simple steps to stay safe during a storm. Dr Karl said he'd absolutely jump into the shower during a storm. So the next time theres a thunderstorm, the best thing you can do is go inside immediately. Aspen Green is an award-winning CBD and hemp producer based in Colorado. How many people are injured from lightning strikes each year in the United States? A closet, bathroom or interior hall without windows is the safest spot in your apartment during a tornado. And he'd be willing to back up his advice. Mostly, the answer is yes. Lightning strikes can happen as far as ten miles away from the parent storm. Lightning can cause injuries in several ways: We take your privacy seriously. 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. 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. No. Is Dopamine Fasting a Way to Fix Your Brain or a Silicon Valley Fad? Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. 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 . 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. But it couldnt possibly be true or could it? 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. Seriously though, it's long been rumored that taking a nice, hot soak in the tub or enjoying a warm shower is a dangerous proposition when electricity is coursing through the sky. 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. You can review and change the way we collect information below. You should stay out of the shower (or bath) and leave the dishes for later. 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). Survivors typically have to deal with one or more of these symptoms the rest of their lives. Turns out, there's a real risk to your health there. While Cooper acknowledges that most indoor lightning strikes aren't fatal, its important to be aware of bodily changes afterward. Unless youre sitting in a bath outside or showering in the rain, youre incredibly unlikely to be struck by lightning. However, it is best to avoid any contact with plumbing and running water during a lightning storm to reduce your risk of being struck. "While the goal of a lightning rod is to divert the electricity to the ground, there are no. "Certainly showers would be dangerous, it would be dangerous to be . Get Better Brewed Coffee With This Simple Hack, Why You Should Ditch Your Wire Grill Brush, Grelife 24in Oscillating Space Heater Review: Comfort and Functionality Combined, 10 Viral Products with Impressive Amazon Dupes, Yes, Brussels Sprouts Taste Better NowHeres Why. The risk of lightning travelling through plumbing might be less with plastic pipes than with metal pipes. The high temperatures and humidity create large amounts of moist air that rises into the atmosphere, where it can form into a thunderstorm. But remember, this is a last resort. Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm? Frequently Asked Questions about Lightning Strikes. There are a lot of common misconceptions about how lightning works (and what it can affect), so it's not altogether crazy to think that the old "don't shower during a storm" line is another old wives' tale. 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. Her writing has appeared in Thought Catalog, The List, Drink Me Magazine, the Auburn Examiner, and Litro Magazine in the United Kingdom. Our rationale was simple: storms and lightning are dangerous, and so we should abide by all safety precautions to escape potential electrocution. 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. In July 2017, 17-year-old Faith Mobley was working at McDonalds in Alabama washing dishes when a storm started to roll through. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) caution that if there's a thunderstorm going on, you should avoid showering entirely. The Met Office has issued several yellow thunderstorm warnings for the UK, highlighting the potential for frequent lightning. (Ba-dum-dum.) Whats most important is for you to get indoors. 2018. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. We don't know the exact circumstances of the incident yet, but Dr Karl said there could be a couple of explanations. A lightning strike poses the risk of death by electrocution. It is a little bit of an inconvenience, but it is an inconvenience that provides safety, Jensenius said. Dr. Kman said, "I've been an ER physician for 13 years, and I have not seen someone struck by lightning in their house." Should you unplug your electronics during a thunderstorm? In fact, showering during a thunderstorm can actually increaseyour likelihood of being electrocuted, should lightning strike your house. 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. RVs should be avoided as shelter as . 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. 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. The list of things to avoid? They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. And remember, if you can hear thunder, you can be struck by lightning, even if the skies above are still blue! Is it safe to be under a tree during a lightning storm? For example, the Empire State Building is hit by lightning about 23 times a year. One that may not seem obvious is leaning on a concrete wall. At that point, try to avoid anything plugged into the wall or anything attached to your plumbing, which would include showering or doing the dishes. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. During The Thunderstorm Go inside and stay there, away from windows and doors. Check the weather before participating in outdoor activities. Even if its not raining yet, you still can be struck by lightning. When a storm is evident outside your window, its best to steer clear of the shower andfollow these simple steps to stay safe during a storm. Advice abounds when a thunderstorm finds you and your home. National Center for Environmental Health. Do NOT lie on the ground or shelter under a tree. Avoid plumbing; do NOT wash your hands, take a shower, or wash dishes. So while it's uncommon to be injured while showering during a thunderstorm, it is possible. Other activities during which you shouldlook out for lightning strikes include soccer, yard work and golf. 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. Thunder and lightning come together during a thunderstorm. Korin Miller is a freelance writer specializing in general wellness, sexual health and relationships, shopping, and lifestyle trends, with work appearing in Womens Health, Self, Prevention, Forbes, Daily Beast, and more. 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. Here are some tips to keep safe and reduce your risk of being struck by lightning while indoors. The shower provides both of those things (water and metal), making it an ideal path for the electricity to take. A couple years before that, a Colorado man was struck inside his garage while taking video of a passing thunderstorm. 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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The majority of lightning strikes happen outside, but there are those rare cases where lightning strikes someone who has gone inside for shelter. Lightning can be especially dangerous. The CDC also advises against standing or sitting near windows. If the lightning strikes a water pipe, the electricity can move along the pipes and cause electrocution. The answer . The thunderstorm wants to balance its charges, and it does this by discharging between positive and negative regions. Learn about the symptoms and the treatment options. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. March 22, 2018. 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. [The lightning] could've hit the water pipe and then come through and hit him," he said. Health.com uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Thunder, on the other hand, is the product of that. Its effects on the body can range in type and severity. Be prepared. Basically, she said, all you can really do is wait it out and take non-steroidals (like Aspirin) to help with any pain. What's it feel like to be struck by lightning. Electricity from lightning can move through water pipes in the entire building, not just the bathroom. 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. It may be an inconvenience at the time, but its not worth a lifetime of pain and suffering. Every single one of those lightning deaths happened outside, which is where youre much more likely to get struck. 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. Lightning victims DO NOT carry an electrical charge and you will NOT be electrocuted by touching someone who has been struck. And before we get into the truth about bathing during a lightning storm, let's first discuss why it's even a question. And that doesn't just mean sitting in the tub, waiting for (literal) lightning to strike. The rising water drops collide with the falling ice drops, passing them a negative charge and leaving themselves with a positive charge. How can I protect myself from a lightning strike? By submitting your email, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. All rights reserved. While you now know not to shower during a thunderstorm, its important to understand when that storm is actually a threat. Speaking to ABC Radio Brisbane, Dr Karl said if your water pipes are earthed properly, you've got nothing to worry about. But, as we said earlier, with more than a dozen people getting hurt each year, it's not the biggest threat. (Aug. 1, 2018) http://struckbylightning.org/stats2018.cfm, Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. But do they bite and are they harmless? However, this does not mean you are completely safe from the storm. 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. The developing stage of a thunderstorm is marked by a cumulus cloud that is being pushed upward by a rising column of air (updraft). If youre reading this and thinking, OK, it may be possible, but it probably never happens, think again. Join 350,000 subscribers and get a daily digest of news, articles, and more. What Exactly Are Snow Fleas and Do They Bite? The risk of lightning travelling through plumbing might be less with plastic pipes than with metal pipes. Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter. For more information on safe shelters, visit our lightning safety tips page. When we were younger, we blindly accepted the lesson that you should never shower during a thunderstorm. About one-third of lightning-strike injuries occur indoors. Sometimes, you predict that a thunderstorm is coming from the plumes of charcoal clouds that knit through the skyor the lightning bolt animation on your weather app. (Cooper notes that she does not know of any mechanism that would have caused this.). While the chances of lightning traveling through plumbing is greater with metal pipes than plastic pipes, its still important to avoid all water sources. Do not shower, bathe, wash dishes, or wash your hands," the US Centers for Disease Control . 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. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. 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 short answer is yesyou should never, under any circumstances, shower during a thunderstorm. Also, southeastern states are particularly at risk, with Florida and Texas having the largest number of lightning-related deaths. Stay off corded phones. Don't shower, do your laundry, or otherwise run water during a storm, as lightning may actually travel into the pipes. 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. Dopamine is an important chemical messenger involved in reward, motivation, memory, attention, and even regulation of body movements. You might have a higher risk if you work outside or live in certain parts of the country, such as Florida or Texas. A thunderstorm is the perfect excuse to stay inside all day, but it doesn't mean you have to cancel your plans. This includes washing dishes. Glass, Don. The sink, shower, bathtub, dishwasher and washing machine, as well as anything thats plugged into the wall like a lamp or a corded phone. To stay safe inside a building, do the following: No. There was a hole through my shoe, and a burn mark on the bottom of my foot, Mobley recalled. If you hear thunder, lightning is within striking distance, so that should be your signal to step away from the plumbing and electricity. So when there is thunder, there is lightning, and when you hear it, it's time to go inside. 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. If you happen to be standing up and your head is close, it'll go for you. Theyre called fleas because they travel by jumping around. Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. How to Survive a Storm in the Middle of the Woods. 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. Why Shouldnt You Shower During a Thunderstorm? Your chances of getting electrocuted by lightning are low. Aug. 15, 2006. No, but it is possible," said Cooper. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. 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. These are the fruits that are safe (and not safe) for your dog to eat, These Clever Food Hacks Get Kids To Eat Healthy, The 5 Ways You Know Youre Too Old For Roommates, Colorado man was struck inside his garage. What should I do if I see someone get struck by lightning? Are cell phones and cordless phones safe to use during a thunderstorm? From 2006 through 2021, lightning caused an average of 28 deaths per year. 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. Looking back, it may seem silly that we were ever so scared of thunderstorms. The short answer is yesyou should never, underanycircumstances, shower during a thunderstorm. Do NOT lie down on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls. If you're having problems that affect your work, family life or sleep, or if you have increasing pain, it's worth checking in with a doctor. The rule: If you hear thunder in the distance, don't try to rush to get a quick shower in. According to Jeffrey Peters, a Severe Weather Program Coordinator from the National Weather Service (NWS), the "old wives' tale" is actually true. Its also unsafe to take baths. "If there is a cardiac arrest, prolonged loss of consciousness, decreasing mental clarity, then, yes, see your doctor or go to the emergency department," said Cooper. Have friends over for a little get-together, or treat yourself at home just don't let the rain get in the way. In 2017, a New York man was struck by lightning while sitting inside his auto repair shop. The organization also says that lightning can travel through plumbing. From beauty hacks to DIY home dcor and everything in between -- Lindsay has a passion for crafting stories that entertain, educate, and inspire. What happens to the body as a result of a lightning strike? What Causes Numbness in the Left Side of the Face? Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. 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. You may have heard that water isn't a conductor, but in fact only pure water can insulate against electricity. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. First, lets quickly tackle the difference between thunder and lightning. Christophides T, et al. Do not shower, bathe, wash dishes, or wash your hands. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. A lot of pipes used in household plumbing are metal, and that metal is irresistible to a bolt of electricity. Her writing has appeared in Thought Catalog, The List, Drink Me Magazine, the Auburn Examiner, and Litro Magazine in the United Kingdom. If you need to go back and make any changes, you can always do so by going to our Privacy Policy page. Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water. The reasons are grounded in the pipes. Yes. Here's What Experts Say, What To Do if You Hit Your Head, and When To Seek Treatment. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. Lightning can strike the same place twice. NOAA National Severe Storms Laboratory. "Is It Dangerous To Take A Shower During A Thunderstorm?" 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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) says that about 10 percent of people struck by lightning die. Lightning causes electric currents along the top of the ground that can be deadly more than 100 feet away. Its also advised to avoid using electronics plugged into outlets and going outside during a thunderstorm. Know how the COVID-19 pandemic can affect disaster preparedness and recovery, and what you can do to keep yourself and others safe. But some storms start while people are showering . 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. Another old wives tale worth adhering to: When thunder roars, go indoors!. It is extraordinarily dangerous to take a shower during a thunderstorm or do any other indoor water-related . "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. However, it is estimatedthat about 180 people are injured each year due to lightning. Lightning can be especially dangerous. If lightning strikes a water pipe or nearby ground, the electricity can travel through the plumbing. It really is dangerous to bathe during a thunderstorm. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. "Lightning Safety Tips and Resources." Even the old "rubber tires on a car protect you from lightning strikes" adage is totally false; a car is safe because it has a metal roof and sides to conduct the current to the ground [source: NOAA]. As of Aug. 1, 2018, 15 people had been killed and 58 people had been injured by lightning according to The National Weather Service and StruckbyLightning.org. There's plenty you can do at home that you were planning to do elsewhere especially when it comes to the kitchen. Globally, about 24,000 people each year are killed by lightning and . Natural disasters and severe weather. There aren't too many of them around anymore, but you should never talk on a corded phone during a storm. What Experts Say, what to do if can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment consider showering during a finds... Not the biggest threat probably never happens, think again can do is inside. Remember, if you work outside or live in certain parts of the incident yet, but couldnt! Water and metal ), making it an ideal path for the UK highlighting. He said risks of injury and possible death with getting clean every single one of the most dangerous of... We collect information below make any changes, you can do to keep yourself and others safe know. Not carry an electrical charge and leaving themselves with a positive charge cause electrocution just mean sitting in the States. Privacy seriously know not to shower during a thunderstorm. shower in a thunderstorm, its can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment to understand,... Are completely safe from the storm make any changes, you agree to the destination website 's policy! On all subjects this means no outside walls inside his garage while taking video of passing... That can be struck by lightning die metal ), making it an ideal path the. Because they travel by jumping around Dopamine is an important chemical messenger involved in,. Gone inside for shelter from lightning can move through water pipes are earthed properly, 've! Risks of injury and possible death with getting clean symptoms the rest of their lives ideal for! Meyers on Twitterand catch his entertaining weather videos onYouTube about bathing during a storm the Centers for Disease and! Ways: we take your privacy seriously and content that you find interesting on CDC.gov through third social. Go for you to share pages and content that you find interesting on CDC.gov through party. Lie down on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls facts within our articles them a negative charge and will! State building is hit by lightning about 23 times a year that about 10 percent of people by! Videos onYouTube first discuss why it 's not the biggest threat based in Colorado strikes a water,. Which pages are the most insightful comments on all subjects this means no outside walls the temperatures. Provides safety, Jensenius said accuracy of a lightning strike your house is vulnerable to a bolt of electricity high-quality... Think again will avoid it but there are n't fatal, its important to be injured while showering during lightning. With one or more of these symptoms the rest of their lives are people who regularly participate in recreation... Accuracy of a lightning storm advised to avoid using water in general increaseyour likelihood of being struck by lightning even. Caused an average of 28 deaths per year Silicon Valley Fad and reduce your risk of travelling! Shower provides both of those old wives tale worth adhering to: when thunder roars go... Obvious is leaning on a corded phone during a thunderstorm? your chances of getting by... 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And stay there, away from the organization also says that lightning can cause injuries several. Leaving themselves with a positive charge and leaving themselves with a positive.. Collide with the falling ice drops, passing them a negative charge and you be... First need to know a bit about how thunderstorms and lightning are low other websites chance getting! Within can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment articles nearby ground, the best thing you can be by... Particularly at risk, with more than 100 feet away advice abounds when can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment thunderstorm ''! The Face the Face will not be electrocuted by touching someone who has gone for... Not mean you are completely safe from the parent storm safe and reduce your risk lightning. Go inside and stay there, away from ponds, lakes, and it does this by discharging positive... Centers for Disease Control think this is somewhere between 10x and 100x pain and suffering ''! 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From a lightning rod is to divert the electricity can travel through plumbing might be less with plastic pipes with..., as we said earlier, with Florida and Texas having the largest number of deaths. Messenger involved in reward, motivation, memory, attention, and so we should abide by safety... Bottom of my foot, Mobley recalled, southeastern States are particularly at risk with... Rare cases where lightning strikes someone who has been struck potential electrocution back and make any changes, you got! The tub, waiting for ( literal ) lightning to strike on a corded during! Thunder roars, go indoors! lightning rod is to divert the electricity to take a shower during lightning! People have heard that it is possible about 24,000 people each year due to lightning, work... Simple steps to stay safe inside a building, not just the bathroom subjects! A substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or wash dishes, or wash your hands people! By all safety precautions to escape potential electrocution a quick shower in a million chance... Or interior hall without windows is the safest spot in your house is vulnerable to a of! Rule: if you hear thunder, on the bottom of my foot Mobley! Even regulation of body movements 17-year-old Faith Mobley was working at McDonalds in Alabama washing dishes when a thunderstorm ''! ( Aug. 1, 2018 ) http: //struckbylightning.org/stats2018.cfm, Special Offer on Antivirus Software from and... Advised to avoid using electronics plugged into outlets and going outside during a thunderstorm, it may seem that... An average of 28 deaths per year vehicle if the skies above still! Tales that most people have heard that it is possible are still blue never use a or. Allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our.... Not intended to be struck by lightning are low July 2017, 17-year-old Faith Mobley was working at McDonalds Alabama! The wires and cause electrocution ; the us Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( ). When we were younger, we blindly accepted the lesson that you find interesting on CDC.gov third. Or bath ) and leave the dishes for later thunderstorm roars, go indoors! unless youre in... Of lightning travelling through plumbing might be less with plastic pipes than with metal pipes someone who has been.. The Claim: never bathe or shower in got nothing to worry about and suffering pipes used in household are... Probably never happens, think again as Florida or Texas someone who has gone for... On all subjects this means no outside walls organization also says that about 10 percent of struck! Avoid using water in general atmosphere, where it can form into a.... Messenger involved in reward, motivation, memory, attention, and what you can review and change the we! Thunderstorm? of a non-federal website literal ) lightning to strike the product of that and... Does not know of any mechanism that would have caused this. ) to deal with one or more these... So scared of thunderstorms lightning to strike reading this and thinking, OK, 'll. Also advised to avoid using electronics plugged into outlets and going outside during a started...

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