When dark clouds hover over and thunder rumbles in the distance, most people should avoid going into open fields and near tall trees. But a lesser-known, yet equally dangerous, practice to avoid during a thunderstorm is taking a shower.
Yes! Our bathroom may seem like a place that is safe from nature’s fury, but according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), water and plumbing systems can conduct electricity, making activities such as showering, washing dishes, and even touching faucets risky during lightning storms.
But why? Here's the science behind it:
The answer is: Lightning typically strikes the highest point in an area, and when it hits a building, it can travel through the wiring and plumbing. The CDC warns that metal pipes and the water inside them can serve as efficient conductors of electricity. In fact, if you are in contact with running water—such as while showering—and lightning strikes your home and nearby infrastructure, the electrical surge can pass through pipes and can electrocute you.
The CDC, in its lightning safety webpage, states that “Lightning can travel through plumbing.” It is best to avoid all water-related activities during a thunderstorm, including bathing, showering, washing dishes, and even washing your hands.
What are the real risks behind it?
While incidents are relatively rare, they are not unheard of. According to data compiled by the National Weather Service, hundreds of people are struck by lightning each year in the United States, with several injuries resulting from indoor lightning-related accidents, some involving plumbing systems. Experts point out that even if a building has lightning protection systems, there is still a risk if a strike is strong enough. Plastic pipes can slightly reduce, but not eliminate, the danger, especially when water is a consistent conductor.
What are the precautions that one should take?In the guidelines provided by the CDC, here is what one should avoid doing during a storm:
Yes! Our bathroom may seem like a place that is safe from nature’s fury, but according to the Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), water and plumbing systems can conduct electricity, making activities such as showering, washing dishes, and even touching faucets risky during lightning storms.
But why? Here's the science behind it:
The answer is: Lightning typically strikes the highest point in an area, and when it hits a building, it can travel through the wiring and plumbing. The CDC warns that metal pipes and the water inside them can serve as efficient conductors of electricity. In fact, if you are in contact with running water—such as while showering—and lightning strikes your home and nearby infrastructure, the electrical surge can pass through pipes and can electrocute you.
The CDC, in its lightning safety webpage, states that “Lightning can travel through plumbing.” It is best to avoid all water-related activities during a thunderstorm, including bathing, showering, washing dishes, and even washing your hands.
What are the real risks behind it?
While incidents are relatively rare, they are not unheard of. According to data compiled by the National Weather Service, hundreds of people are struck by lightning each year in the United States, with several injuries resulting from indoor lightning-related accidents, some involving plumbing systems. Experts point out that even if a building has lightning protection systems, there is still a risk if a strike is strong enough. Plastic pipes can slightly reduce, but not eliminate, the danger, especially when water is a consistent conductor.
What are the precautions that one should take?In the guidelines provided by the CDC, here is what one should avoid doing during a storm:
- Do not take showers or baths or use sinks.
- Refrain from using wired electronics.
- Stay away from windows, doors, and concrete walls.
- Avoid touching water-connected appliances like dishwashers and washing machines.
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