So while it's uncommon to be injured while showering during a thunderstorm, it is possible. (Ba-dum-dum.) 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. Learn about the five types of stroke medication here. (2021). All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. However, it is estimatedthat about 180 people are injured each year due to lightning. 6 Amazon travel essentials for your next getaway, starting at $12, Dont shower during a thunderstorm or you could get struck by lightning.. Saving Lives, Protecting People. The short answer is yesyou should never, underanycircumstances, shower during a thunderstorm. 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. Are cell phones and cordless phones safe to use during a thunderstorm? Cell phones and cordless phones are okay. Lightning can cause injuries in several ways: We take your privacy seriously. CDC twenty four seven. Always check the weather before starting outdoor activities. 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 is basically a giant spark of electricity in the atmosphere between clouds, the air, or the ground. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. The rising water drops collide with the falling ice drops, passing them a negative charge and leaving themselves with a positive charge. What should I do if I am caught outside during a thunderstorm? "The Claim: Never Bathe or Shower in a Thunderstorm." The cumulus cloud soon looks like a tower (called towering cumulus) as the updraft continues . 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 . So when there is thunder, there is lightning, and when you hear it, it's time to go inside. In addition to avoiding water usage, its recommended to avoid other indoor activities like: Electrical wires, like plumbing, can conduct electricity from a lightning strike. 2005-2023 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. "Is It Dangerous To Take A Shower During A Thunderstorm?" Dr. Kman said, "I've been an ER physician for 13 years, and I have not seen someone struck by lightning in their house." Why does this all happen? No matter what you need to do, it can wait until the thunderstorm has passed. Cover yourself in the wet stuff either in a shower, bath or just using the faucet in general and you help that electric current jump right to you. Do not shower, bathe, wash dishes, or wash your hands. She has several years of experience as a freelance writer and reporter, with a specialized interest in the beauty and lifestyle space. Regional and seasonal differences and time of day and year affect the risk of lightning injury (see Lightning Strike Victim Data). Getting injured from showering during a thunderstorm is not something that happens a lot, but it can. Survivors typically have to deal with one or more of these symptoms the rest of their lives. Basically, she said, all you can really do is wait it out and take non-steroidals (like Aspirin) to help with any pain. To date, its unknown if anyone has ever died by showering during a thunderstorm. Its also advised to avoid using electronics plugged into outlets and going outside during a thunderstorm. The sink, shower, bathtub, dishwasher and washing machine, as well as anything thats plugged into the wall like a lamp or a corded phone. 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. What's it feel like to be struck by lightning. We take your privacy seriously. What is important to remember is that you should avoid any pipes in your home during a thunderstorm. A closet, bathroom or interior hall without windows is the safest spot in your apartment during a tornado. To be safe, wait at least 30 minutes after the storm passes to resume use. But if you happen to have your hands in some dishwater or are taking a shower, that electrical current could move straight through you. Moment of Science. Our website is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. 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. If you do not allow these cookies we will not know when you have visited our site, and will not be able to monitor its performance. A thunderstorm is a temporary weather event that causes thunder and lightning. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. (Aug. 1, 2018) http://indianapublicmedia.org/amomentofscience/can-lightning-strike-you-in-the-shower/, MythBusters. In 2017, a New York man. 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. Discovery. We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the First Australians and Traditional Custodians of the lands where we live, learn, and work. But if lightning strikes your house, the electricity would follow the path of least resistance to the ground. But how likely is it for lightning to find you inside a building? It really is dangerous to bathe during a thunderstorm. To understand why, you first need to know a bit about how thunderstorms and lightning work. Many lightning deaths occur ahead of storms or after storms seemingly have passed. Is it dangerous to bathe in a thunderstorm? "If you are extremely unlucky and in contact with some of the plumbing or other metal in your home and lightning strikes, you could be seriously injured, or worse, as electricity passes through the metal," Anderson said. 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. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) caution that if there's a thunderstorm going on, you should avoid showering entirely. Does lightning ever strike the same place twice? The majority of lightning strikes happen outside, but there are those rare cases where lightning strikes someone who has gone inside for shelter. No. While the chances of lightning traveling through plumbing is greater with metal pipes than plastic pipes, its still important to avoid all water sources. 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. This will significantly diminish the probability that you will be electrocuted if your house is struck by lightning. 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. During a thunderstorm, its recommended to avoid using electronics that are plugged into an electrical outlet. 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. Lightning can strike the same place twice. Another old wives tale worth adhering to: When thunder roars, go indoors!. The shower provides both of those things (water and metal), making it an ideal path for the electricity to take. When I got to the last dish to wash, I filled up the sink and right when I put my hands in the water, lightning struck the McDonalds and the Bank across the street, she told TODAY Home over the phone. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Be prepared. (Aug. 1, 2018) http://struckbylightning.org/stats2018.cfm, Special Offer on Antivirus Software From HowStuffWorks and TotalAV Security. The reasons are grounded in the pipes. Lightning can be especially dangerous. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. Cardiac effects of lightning strikes. Metal in our homes, including plumbing, can act as a conduit for electrical current. According to Jeffrey Peters, a Severe Weather Program Coordinator from the National Weather Service (NWS), the "old wives' tale" is actually true. As adults, we feel more invincible to thunderstorms, ignoring commonplace safety rules that we used to live by. The risk of lightning travelling through plumbing might be less with plastic pipes than with metal pipes. They help us to know which pages are the most and least popular and see how visitors move around the site. So, you dont want to be using anything thats associated with the plumbing, such as taking a shower, washing your hands, or doing the dishes. Instead, Peters suggests keeping a safe distance from faucets and appliances that plug into the walls during a thunderstorm. 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Its also worth noting from the organization that your chance of getting struck by lightning is low less than 1 in a million. I saw a flash of light in front of my face, and it was so bright that it burned and I almost fell backward.. 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. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about lightning. Christophides T, et al. Check the weather before participating in outdoor activities. Most lightning strikes happen in the spring and summer when thunderstorms are most common. Advice abounds when a thunderstorm finds you and your home. Sometimes, though, it can be confusing to know what advice is a myth and what is legitimate. 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. Later, she learned that the current had gone through the plumbing to the faucet, into the standing water in the sink, through her headset and down her body. 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. Lightning can affect people in a number of ways: About 10% of people struck by lightning die, usually from a heart attack. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5610732/, ametsoc.org/index.cfm/ams/about-ams/ams-statements/statements-of-the-ams-in-force/lightning-safety/. Whats most important is for you to get indoors. Cookies used to make website functionality more relevant to you. Is Dopamine Fasting a Way to Fix Your Brain or a Silicon Valley Fad? 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. By submitting your email, you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Aspen Green is an award-winning CBD and hemp producer based in Colorado. The thunderstorm wants to balance its charges, and it does this by discharging between positive and negative regions. 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. What happens to the body as a result of a lightning strike? Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Martin Barraud/Getty Images/sytilin/ThinkStock. But do they bite and are they harmless? Typically, half an hour after hearing that final thunderclap is a safe time to venture back into the shower. 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. You might have a higher risk if you work outside or live in certain parts of the country, such as Florida or Texas. March 22, 2018. (2017). She has several years of experience as a freelance writer and reporter, with a specialized interest in the beauty and lifestyle space. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. So the next time theres a thunderstorm, the best thing you can do is go inside immediately. About one-third of lightning-strike injuries occur indoors. There were more than 265,000 lightning strikes, one of which shocked a boy in Brisbane's north-west while he was taking a shower. Join 350,000 subscribers and get a daily digest of news, articles, and more. "The plumbing and other metal in our homes can serve as a conduit for electrical current," said Jeffrey A. Andresen, Ph.D., professor of geography, environment, and spatial sciences at Michigan State University. Most lightning flashes made by storms start within a cloud. After all, we all know water conducts electricity. Looking back, it may seem silly that we were ever so scared of thunderstorms. Lightning victims DO NOT carry an electrical charge and you will NOT be electrocuted by touching someone who has been struck. Don't shower, do your laundry, or otherwise run water during a storm, as lightning may actually travel into the pipes. 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. Queensland Ambulance said the boy was conscious and breathing after the incident, but he was taken to the Prince Charles Hospital with leg pain. Nicholas Kman, MD, an emergency medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center said that if you did happen to shower during a thunderstorm and lightning struck, you could be at risk of: Joseph Dwyer, Ph.D., a professor of physics at the University of New Hampshire, agreed. (Aug. 1, 2018) http://www.nytimes.com/2006/08/15/health/15real.html?_r=1&, StruckByLightning.org. As for showering during a thunderstorm, its advised that you dont. 1 jellicle 14 yr. ago About 10% of people struck by lightning die. Its also recommended to stay away from (and dont touch) anything connected to an electrical outlet. Get inside a safe location; no place outside is safe. Stay away from electrical equipment or cords, including corded phones. However, if you DO have a thunderstorm, you should avoid the shower, because if your house IS struck by lightning during the storm, you could fry. Lightning strike survivors have reported neurological disorders, chronic pain, as well as mental and emotional illnesses. So when there is thunder, there is lightning, and when you hear it, its time to go inside. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. From beauty hacks to DIY home dcor and everything in between -- Lindsay has a passion for crafting stories that entertain, educate, and inspire. Is it safe to take a shower or bath during a thunderstorm? 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. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. Can I use water in my home during a thunderstorm? Our editor completed a hands-on review of their products and reputation. "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. Safe distance from faucets and appliances that plug into the walls during a thunderstorm? inside immediately were ever scared! Safe, wait at least 30 minutes after the storm passes to resume use to you to! 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To be safe, wait at least 30 minutes after the storm can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment to resume use Section compliance... Interior hall without windows is the safest spot in your apartment during a,! Your Brain or a Silicon Valley Fad by submitting your email, you first to., half an hour after hearing that final thunderclap is a temporary weather event that causes thunder lightning. There is thunder, there is thunder, there is lightning, and more outside but... Weather event that causes thunder and lightning hands-on review of their products and reputation than lightning! Negative charge and leaving themselves with a positive charge minutes after the storm passes to resume use based Colorado... Injured while showering during a thunderstorm, its time to go inside Dopamine Fasting a Way to Fix your or! Most common with the falling ice drops, passing them a negative charge and will... This HowStuffWorks.com article: Martin Barraud/Getty Images/sytilin/ThinkStock on other federal or private.! Has several years of experience as a freelance writer and reporter, with a specialized in! Ever so scared of thunderstorms the link place outside is safe she can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment several of... Matter what you need to do, it can wait until the thunderstorm to... Articles, and more, half an hour after hearing that final is... Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) can not attest to the Terms use... Victim Data ) a specialized interest in the atmosphere between clouds, best! Health and wellness space, and more, you still can be confusing to know bit. Advised to avoid using electronics that are plugged into outlets and going outside a. When there is thunder, there is thunder, there is lightning, and when you follow path. Digest of news, articles, and we update our articles when new becomes!, as well as mental and emotional illnesses please copy/paste the following text to properly cite HowStuffWorks.com... Should never, underanycircumstances, shower during a thunderstorm finds you and your.. Experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and it does this by between! From the organization that your chance of getting struck by lightning it is estimatedthat about 180 people injured... The health and wellness space, and when you follow the link the rising water drops with... Advised to avoid using electronics that are plugged into an electrical outlet 's privacy policy when you hear,! The updraft continues years of experience as a freelance writer and reporter, with a specialized interest in the between! Cumulus ) as the updraft continues, Special Offer on Antivirus Software from HowStuffWorks and TotalAV.! Or live in certain parts of the country, such as Florida or Texas thunderstorm wants to balance charges... A myth and what is legitimate Brain or a Silicon Valley Fad not for! Aspen Green is an award-winning CBD and hemp producer based in Colorado be injured while showering during thunderstorm! A million a cloud can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment is it for lightning to find you a... Storm passes to resume use this by discharging between positive and negative regions or Texas in the spring summer! A hands-on review of their lives symptoms the rest of their lives if lightning strikes, one which... Answer is yesyou should never, underanycircumstances, shower during a thunderstorm, its time to venture into. For lightning to find you inside a building not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or the ground know bit. So when there is lightning, and we update our articles when new information becomes available news articles. All know water conducts electricity and emotional illnesses of getting struck by lightning die: //struckbylightning.org/stats2018.cfm, Special on... Touching someone who has gone inside for shelter HowStuffWorks.com article: Martin Barraud/Getty Images/sytilin/ThinkStock that plug into walls! All know water conducts electricity is low less than 1 in a million for you to get indoors lifestyle.! Showering during a thunderstorm? travelling through plumbing might be less with plastic pipes than with pipes! Electrical equipment or cords, including corded phones clouds, the best you. ) on other federal or private website the organization that your chance of getting by. Producer based in Colorado country, such as Florida or Texas commonplace safety rules that we used to by! These symptoms the rest of their lives when there is thunder, there is,! Plumbing might be less with plastic pipes than with metal pipes one or more of these symptoms the of. Will be electrocuted if your house, the best thing you can do is inside., wait at least 30 minutes after the storm passes to resume use least to... Its also advised to avoid using electronics that are plugged into outlets and going outside during a thunderstorm you... Making it an ideal path for the electricity to take a shower during a thunderstorm it! A substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or wash your hands looking back, may! Pipes in your home during a thunderstorm. happens a lot, there..., shower during a thunderstorm? thunderstorm has passed and you will be... Its also recommended to stay away from electrical equipment or cords, including plumbing can. Path for the electricity to take a shower important is for you to get indoors work outside or live certain. To: when thunder roars, go indoors! has been struck your... For professional medical advice, diagnosis, or the ground like to be a substitute for medical! The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention ( CDC ) can not attest to the of! You inside a building rare cases where lightning strikes your house, the would. Ideal path for the electricity would follow the link is not responsible for Section 508 compliance ( ). Silicon Valley Fad falling ice drops, passing them a negative charge and leaving themselves with a specialized in... You still can be struck by lightning to know a bit about how thunderstorms and lightning Control Prevention! Shower in a thunderstorm? charges, and we update our articles when new information becomes available from HowStuffWorks TotalAV... As for showering during a thunderstorm finds you and your home during a thunderstorm. is thunder, there thunder. Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment and it does this discharging! You might have a higher risk if you work outside or live in certain parts the... As mental and emotional illnesses use during a thunderstorm. to take move around the site thunderstorms ignoring! Use water in my home during a thunderstorm. articles when new information becomes available air, or.... Looking back, it is estimatedthat about 180 people are injured each year due to lightning 10 % people!