We thought we knew all the thunderstorm basics: lie flat on the ground if outside, you’re safest in your moving car, stay away from metal, etc. But it turns out, there’s more to being safe during a thunderstorm. According to lightning safety specialist for the National Weather Service (NWS), John Jensenius, per Accuweather, you shouldn’t shower or do dishes during a thunderstorm.
Jensenius told Accuweather that electricity from a lightening strike can travel through pipes and water. Therefore, if you’re interacting with running water during a thunderstorm, you’re at greater risk of getting shocked.
“You just want to stay away from things that conduct electricity within the home,” Jensenius said. “That would include both the wires and the plumbing…certainly showers would be dangerous, it would be dangerous to be washing your hands or washing dishes. Just avoid those any time you can hear thunder.”
And don’t think you’re exempt from this rule if your home has plastic plumbing. Jensenius says that water itself is an electricity conductor. So even if your pipes are plastic, you’re still at risk for getting electrocuted if you’re interacting with running water.
Your risk for electrocution also depends on how your house is grounded, as AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist Dan Kottlowski added.
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“When a house is built, it should be built so that when your electricity comes in, it’s grounded to your house,” Kottlowski told Accuweather. “If your house is grounded to separate rods that are basically stuck down into the ground, then that’s a bit safer because nothing is attached to the plumbing.”
Lightening can strike up to 10 miles away from a thunderstorm, Jensenius said. Any time you hear thunder in the distance, seek shelter immediately and stay away from plumbing and electrical appliances.
Also remember to stay away from doors, windows, and even concrete structures when a thunderstorm arrives.
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We’ll happily put off our shower or daily chores if it means staying safe during a thunderstorm. Sorry roomies, but we can’t do our dishes because of science!
