Bathtub during thunderstorm

Be prepared.

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.

Bathtub during thunderstorm

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. Cell phones are safe to use, though. Give us a call to talk about whole-house surge protection, backup generators, and more. We base this on their years of experience, the level of training they have undertaken, and the broad range of services they can provide. All of our technicians undergo extensive background checks before they put on the TopTech uniform. From ceiling fan installation to installing electric vehicle chargers, TopTech does it all!

A direct strike is often fatal. Or doing the dishes or laundry, for that matter. Christ Mean?

You can also add newsletters iflscience. IFLScience needs the contact information you provide to us to contact you about our products and services. You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices and commitment to protecting your privacy, check out our Privacy Policy. Did your caregiver ever scream at you during a thunderstorm to get out of the bath? Is it actually a dangerous pastime, or is it just an old wives' tale? Firstly, a thunderstorm develops when there is an unstable atmosphere.

About this rating. Electrocution from lighting while showering or bathing is both scientifically possible and historically documented. Lightning fatalities are a significant cause of weather-related deaths in the United States, killing an average of 49 people a year. Based on a review of lightning related fatalities from through , the National Weather Service concluded that an overwhelming majority of those fatalities came from outdoor activities:. From through , people were struck and killed by lightning in the United States. Almost two thirds of the deaths occurred to people who had been enjoying outdoor leisure activities From to , there were a total of 30 fishing deaths, 16 camping deaths, and 14 boating deaths, and 13 beach deaths. Of the sports activities, soccer saw the greatest number of deaths with 12, as compared to golf with 8.

Bathtub during thunderstorm

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. Cell phones are safe to use, though.

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It is safe to touch a lightning victim and administer first aid immediately. Stay away from tall trees : While they might seem like a refuge, they're prime targets for lightning. Typically, 10 percent of people who are struck by lightning die, often from a heart attack. Metal pipes and lightning : Most household plumbing systems have metal pipes, and lightning finds these metallic conduits all too irresistible. Schedule Service It is best to avoid all water during a thunderstorm. The energy from the lightning channel heats the air to around 50, degrees Fahrenheit, which causes the air to explode outward. Underline links. Watch out for concrete : Avoid contact with concrete walls and floors, which might contain metal reinforcement. Keyboard navigation.

But is it true? Can you really get electrocuted in the bathtub during a thunderstorm? Before diving in, we need to understand why such a question arises in the first place.

Well, it seems that there is a risk — and it is shockingly more dangerous than you may think. Side flash : Lightning splashes or bounces off an object, such as a tree or person, onto the victim. When lightning starts to develop, the air acts as an insulator between the negative and positive charges in the clouds, and between the cloud and the ground. CDC is not responsible for Section compliance accessibility on other federal or private website. This is also reflected in advice from CDC, as they suggest that people stay out of the shower and away from plumbing during a thunderstorm. Do not use corded phones. Overall, it is not likely you will get shocked during a storm while in a bath, but it is possible. Not the brightest idea! Mobile Newsletter chat subscribe. It is best to avoid all water during a thunderstorm. Plus, our water has all sorts of impurities with conductive properties. When the opposite charges have built up, the air insulation breaks and there is a rapid discharge of electricity — what we call lightning. Can You Shower During a Thunderstorm?