Why is it not recommended to shower or wash dishes during a storm?
It is important to be careful when there is a storm outside. Because if there is thunder, there can also be lightning, which can cause damage in completely unexpected places.
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What should be done to stay safe from lightning during a storm? Trees begin to sway, the sky darkens, and suddenly, the sound of thunder is heard in the distance. This situation can be a sign of potential danger. Because where there is thunder, there is lightning, and lightning can cause damage or even be fatal in ways you would never expect. According to the American Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), this includes being in the shower, the bathtub, or even washing dishes.
According to details reported by Chip, the CDC stated, "It is best to avoid all water during a storm because lightning can travel through plumbing. Do not shower, bathe, or wash dishes."
AFAD also lists similar recommendations, stating, "Bring light items and portable metal tools from your garden and balcony inside. Close windows and doors; lightning can also strike you by entering through an open window. Stay away from doors and windows that cannot be closed, stoves, ovens and fireplaces, radiators, metal pipes, sinks and bathtubs, electrical appliances plugged into outlets, and corded telephones. Do not bathe, wash dishes by hand, or stay near metal plumbing. Do not collect laundry from the clothesline."
The CDC's recommendations are as follows:
- Avoid water.
Since lightning can travel through a building's plumbing, do not bathe, shower, wash dishes, or have any other contact with water during a storm. The risk of lightning traveling through plumbing may be lower in plastic pipes than in metal pipes. However, to reduce your risk of being struck, it is best to avoid any contact with plumbing and running water during a thunderstorm.
- Do not touch electronic devices.
Do not use anything plugged into an electrical outlet, such as computers, laptops, gaming systems, washing machines, dryers, or stoves. Lightning can travel through electrical systems, radio and television reception systems, and any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or floors. To protect your devices, equip your home with whole-house surge protectors.
- Avoid windows, doors, porches, and concrete.
Stay away from windows, doors, and porches. Do not lie on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls during a storm. Lightning can travel through any metal wires or bars in concrete walls or flooring.
- Do not use corded phones.
It is NOT safe to use corded phones during a storm. Do NOT use them. However, it is safe to use cordless or mobile phones during a storm.
CAN A MOBILE PHONE BE USED?
The CDC answers the question of whether mobile phones are safe during a storm as follows: "Yes. Mobile phones and cordless phones can be used safely during stormy weather, provided they are not connected to an outlet via a charger. Do not use corded phones."
WHAT SHOULD BE DONE IF YOU ARE OUTDOORS DURING A STORM?
The best defense during a storm is to avoid lightning.
When you hear thunder, find a safe, enclosed shelter.
Immediately descend from high areas such as hills, mountain ridges, or peaks.
NEVER LIE DOWN ON THE GROUND
The CDC states, "Never lie flat on the ground," and explains it as follows: Lightning causes electrical currents that can be fatal more than 100 meters away from the strike point. Get into a safe place; nowhere outside is safe. Being near or under tall trees increases your risk of being struck by lightning.