The Dangers of Showering During a Thunderstorm
Taking a shower during a thunderstorm may seem harmless, but it can actually be quite dangerous. When lightning strikes a building, it can travel through metal pipes, increasing the risk of electrocution. Even though the risk is higher with metal pipes, it is best to avoid using any plumbing system or running water during a thunderstorm to ensure your safety.
Precautions to Stay Safe
To stay safe indoors during a thunderstorm, it is important to take certain precautions. Here are some steps you can follow:
Avoid Showering or Bathing
During a thunderstorm, it is best to avoid taking a shower or bath. This will minimize the risk of being struck by lightning through the plumbing system.
Avoid Using Electrical Appliances
It is advised to refrain from using electrical appliances plugged into an outlet, such as televisions or computers, during a thunderstorm. This will help reduce the risk of electrocution.
Avoid Landline Telephones with Cords
Using a landline telephone with a cord during a thunderstorm may also be dangerous. It is safer to use cordless phones or mobile phones instead, as they are less likely to conduct electricity.
Other Activities to Avoid
In addition to avoiding water and electrical appliances, there are other activities you should refrain from during a thunderstorm:
Stay Indoors
The safest place to be during a thunderstorm is indoors. If you are outside, seek appropriate shelter immediately to minimize the risk of being struck by lightning.
Away from Windows or Doors
It is important to stay away from windows or doors during a thunderstorm. Ideally, find an interior room on the ground floor to seek shelter.
Avoid Using Electrical Outlets
Similar to indoors, it is important to avoid using electrical appliances plugged into an outlet when outdoors during a thunderstorm.
Avoid Trees and Concrete Structures
Being near trees is risky during a thunderstorm, as lightning can strike them or cause them to fall due to strong winds. Additionally, leaning against concrete walls or buildings can be dangerous, as they may contain metal pipes or wiring that can conduct lightning.
Avoid Lying on the Ground and Near Water
During a thunderstorm, dangerous electrical currents can flow on the surface of the ground. Therefore, it is important to avoid lying on the ground. Furthermore, it is crucial to move away from bodies of water such as pools, lakes, the sea, or ocean, as they can attract lightning.
How to Stay Safe
If you hear thunder, it is essential to take precautions to stay safe from lightning, even if it is not currently raining:
Seek Shelter Indoors
Being outside during a thunderstorm is dangerous, so seek shelter indoors as soon as possible.
Find a Safe Shelter
If you cannot get indoors, find a safe shelter such as a closed vehicle to minimize the risk of being struck by lightning.
Stay Indoors
Once inside a closed building, avoid porches or balconies and stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder to ensure your safety.
Protect Yourself Outdoors
If you find yourself outdoors without a safe shelter during a thunderstorm, you can take certain precautions to reduce your risk of injury:
Stay Away from Elevated Areas
Avoid being in elevated areas such as hilltops, ridges, or slopes, as they attract lightning.
Avoid Cliff or Overhangs
Using cliffs or overhangs as shelter during a thunderstorm should be avoided, as they do not provide adequate protection from lightning.
Avoid Lying Flat on the Ground
Lying flat on the ground increases the risk of being struck by lightning. Instead, try to crouch down in a fetal position, with your feet together, head tucked, and ears covered.
Avoid Standing Near Isolated Trees or Tall Structures
Standing under an isolated tree or tall structure can be dangerous during a thunderstorm, as these objects attract lightning.
Avoid Objects that Conduct Electricity
Stay away from objects that may conduct electricity, such as metal fences, barbed wires, power lines, or wind turbines, as they increase the risk of electrocution.
What to Do in Case of Electrocution
If someone experiences an electric shock during a thunderstorm, it is crucial to act quickly. Follow these steps:
Call Emergency Services
Immediately call emergency services to seek professional help. Cordless phones and mobile phones are safe to use in this situation.
Move the Injured Person
If the injured person is not bleeding, carefully move them away from unsafe areas, such as showers and other plumbing systems, to minimize the risk of further electrocution.
Check for Additional Injuries
Once in a safe place, check for any additional injuries the injured person may have. If they are not breathing or have no pulse, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation and chest compressions until help arrives.
Learn CPR
It is important to learn how to perform cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR), as it can be crucial in saving someone's life during an emergency situation.
