5 things that should be avoided during a thunderstorm
Thunderstorms can be exciting to watch as they offer a view of booming thunder, flashes of lightning, and the smell of rain in the air. But they're also one of nature's most dangerous weather events, especially when we don't take proper safety precautions.
While most people know not to stand under a tree during a storm or to avoid open fields, there are a few lesser-known but equally risky behaviors that can put you in harm's way.
Lightning doesn't have to strike you directly to hurt you. It can travel through water, wires, pipes, and even metal-made structures, reaching us in unexpected ways. But these dangers are easily avoidable once you know how to stay alert and avoid them.
Here are some common things that one should avoid during and just after a thunderstorm.
Don't touch anything wet
Water doesn't attract lightning, but it's an excellent conductor. That means if lightning hits nearby, and you're in contact with something wet or in water you could be seriously injured. The National Weather Service warns against being in pools, lakes, or even touching wet surfaces during a storm. So, if there is a thunderstorm, it's best to dry off and head indoors.
Being in water during a storm is never a safe place to be.
Avoid using corded phones and plugged-in devices
We should avoid using or touching a phone that is connected to a wire or is getting charged. According to the CDC, lightning can travel through phone and electrical lines, making that call potentially dangerous. The same goes for laptops, toasters, and any plugged-in device. Unplugging electronics during a storm is also risky, as it could lead to a shock. It is best to not use a smartphone that's charging and wait till the storm subsides.
Don't go outside right after the storm
Just because the rain stops doesn't mean the danger has passed. The CDC suggests following the '30-30' rule, which says, if you hear thunder within 30 seconds of seeing lightning, go indoors immediately. But one should not rush back out once it clears. It is always advisable to wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before going back outside. Lightning can strike from miles away even after a storm seems to have moved on.
Stay away from concrete walls and floors
Concrete might seem like a sturdy shelter, but it can actually be dangerous during a thunderstorm. That's because many concrete walls and floors have metal buildup, which conducts electricity. Leaning against a wall or sitting on a concrete floor during a storm could expose you to a lightning current. For maximum safety, one should stay away from all structural concrete until the storm fully passes.
Don't take a shower or use running water
Taking a shower during a thunderstorm may seem harmless, but it can actually be one of the riskiest things to do. If lightning strikes the home, it can travel through plumbing and give an electric shock to you. Even washing your hands or doing dishes increases your risk. As shown in an episode of MythBusters, a simulated lightning strike while showering ended in sparks and fire.
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