Bathtub during thunderstorm

Be prepared. Check the weather before participating in outdoor activities. If thunderstorms are forecast, bathtub during thunderstorm, change plans or ensure that a safe shelter is nearby. For more information about lightning safety, visit the lightning safety tips page.

To be honest, a nice bubbly soak with a storm soundtrack sounds lovely. But lighting is basically super-charged electricity, and as you may recall from general science in 4th grade, electricity and water are a bad combination. The reason bathing during a storm is dangerous has more to do with the conduction of the lightning than with actual bolt itself. See, the pipes that fill your bathtub are most likely metal—which is highly conductive. Plus, our water has all sorts of impurities with conductive properties. Each year, there are between documented cases of people getting shocked. Or doing the dishes or laundry, for that matter.

Bathtub during thunderstorm

Can you shower during a thunderstorm? It's long been rumored that taking a nice, warm shower is a dangerous proposition when electricity is coursing through the sky. And before we get into the truth about bathing during a lightning storm, let's first discuss why it's even a question. For one, there are a lot of silly myths about lightning. For instance, a plane getting hit by lightning generally isn't really that big of a deal — although pilots aren't crazy and do try to avoid thunderstorms , planes are built to safely conduct currents. Even the old "rubber tires on a car protect you from lightning strikes" adage is totally false; a car is safe because it has a metal roof and sides to conduct the current to the ground. There are a lot of common misconceptions about how lightning works and what it can affect , so it's not altogether crazy to think that the old "don't shower during a storm" line is another old wives' tale. But don't be mistaken about this one — showering during a thunderstorm is genuinely risky business. The cold, hard stats back this up. Every year, 10 to 20 people in the U. And it doesn't stop at lightning injuries. In alone, as of publication, the National Weather Service has reported 13 lightning deaths in the U. When there's a thunderstorm, the National Weather Service recommends seeking a safe location, away from electrical systems, electronic equipment, and, yes, the tempting call of running water. So, next time a storm hits, maybe it's an excuse to delay washing dishes or take a rain check on that shower no pun intended.

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Be prepared. Check the weather before participating in outdoor activities. If thunderstorms are forecast, change plans or ensure that a safe shelter is nearby. For more information about lightning safety, visit the lightning safety tips page. A safe shelter is a fully enclosed vehicle or a shelter that has four walls and a roof. Examples of safe shelters include homes, offices, shopping centers, and hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up. Open vehicles such as convertibles, golf carts, and motorcycles and open structures such as porches, gazebos, baseball dugouts, and sports arenas are NOT safe during a storm.

Bathtub during thunderstorm

Showering or bathing is not safe during a thunderstorm. People may be at risk of electric shock if lightning strikes a building and travels through metal plumbing. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention CDC , people should avoid showering, bathing, and other activities that involve running water or plumbing during a thunderstorm. Around 1 in every 3 lightning strike injuries happen to people who are indoors, so individuals must take steps to stay safe even if they are not outside. To stay safe when indoors during a thunderstorm, people should avoid activities connected to plumbing systems and any devices that connect to an electrical outlet.

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Be prepared. However, it is estimated that about people are injured each year due to lightning. IFLScience needs the contact information you provide to us to contact you about our products and services. Along with metal being a conduit, water can also carry electrical currents. Overall, it is not likely you will get shocked during a storm while in a bath, but it is possible. The lightning is what causes the booming sound of thunder. Give us a call to talk about whole-house surge protection, backup generators, and more. Each year, there are between documented cases of people getting shocked. Also, southeastern states are particularly at risk, with Florida and Texas having the largest number of lightning-related deaths. Clear cookies. Keyboard navigation. On This Page. Lightning can cause injuries in several ways: Direct strike : A direct strike is often fatal. Who is at greatest risk for lightning strikes? Plus, our water has all sorts of impurities with conductive properties.

When it comes to summer, there's nothing quite like spending a lazy day lounging in your hot tub. But what if a thunderstorm rolls in while you're soaking?

Are cell phones and cordless phones safe to use during a thunderstorm? And before we get into the truth about bathing during a lightning storm, let's first discuss why it's even a question. Examples of safe shelters include homes, offices, shopping centers, and hard-top vehicles with the windows rolled up. For more information on safe shelters, visit our lightning safety tips page. Each year, there are between documented cases of people getting shocked. CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website. This article was updated in conjunction with AI technology, then fact-checked and edited by a HowStuffWorks editor. Lightning can strike the same place twice. Cite This! Avoid anything that will increase your risk of being struck by lightning, such as being near or under tall trees. More Awesome Stuff. To stay safe inside a building, do the following: Stay away from electrical equipment or cords, including corded phones.