Thunderstorms can be dangerous even when you are inside your home. While many people know to avoid trees and windows, lightning can also travel through plumbing and electrical wiring. This means everyday activities, such as showering, bathing, washing dishes, and doing laundry, can become risky when lightning is nearby.
Running water and connected pipes may carry electrical currents if lightning strikes a building or nearby power lines. Even homes with plastic plumbing are not completely protected. The safest choice is to avoid using water until the storm has passed. You should also stay away from electrical appliances plugged into outlets and avoid corded telephones. Cell phones are generally safe to use as long as they are not connected to a charger.
Lightning is extremely powerful and can cause serious injuries without striking someone directly. According to the National Weather Service, lightning can heat the surrounding air to approximately 50,000°F (27,760°C), causing it to expand rapidly and create thunder. Injuries can happen through direct strikes, contact with objects struck by lightning, electrical currents traveling through the ground, or flashes from nearby trees and structures.
You can estimate the distance of lightning by counting the seconds between seeing a flash and hearing thunder, then dividing that number by five to estimate the distance in miles. For example, five seconds means the lightning is approximately one mile away. However, never rely on this calculation to decide whether it is safe to stay outside.
During a thunderstorm, remain inside a substantial, enclosed building and keep away from windows, doors, plumbing, and plugged-in electrical equipment. Avoid concrete floors and walls when possible because they may contain metal reinforcement. If you are outdoors, seek shelter immediately, as no outdoor location is completely safe during a storm. Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before returning outside. These simple precautions can help protect you and your family from dangerous lightning strikes.
