What Should Be Avoided During Electrical Storms
Table of Content
- Why Understanding Electrical Storm Safety Matters
- Stay Indoors but Don’t Be Complacent
- 1. Avoid Using Electrical Appliances
- 2. Don’t Take Showers or Use Running Water
- 3. Avoid Leaning on Concrete Walls or Floors
- Outdoor Activities to Avoid
- 1. Don’t Stand Under Trees
- 2. Avoid Open Fields and Hilltops
- Activities You Might Overlook
- 1. Avoid Touching Metal Objects
- 2. Don’t Use Corded Phones
- What About Your Car?
- Can Lightning Strike Twice? Myths vs. Facts
- Wrapping Up
When the skies darken and lightning begins to flash, many of us instinctively seek shelter. But staying safe during an electrical storm is more than just running indoors. Knowing what to avoid can be a lifesaver. Let’s dive into the everyday habits and actions that could put you at risk during one of nature’s most powerful shows.
Why Understanding Electrical Storm Safety Matters
Every year, lightning strikes cause injuries, damage properties, and sometimes, unfortunately, take lives. Many of these incidents happen because people unknowingly engage in activities that expose them to danger. With a little knowledge, you can reduce the risks significantly.
Here are the most important things to avoid during electrical storms and the reasoning behind them.
Stay Indoors but Don’t Be Complacent
Sheltering indoors is one of the safest actions you can take during an electrical storm, but even inside, there are risks. Here’s what you should avoid:
1. Avoid Using Electrical Appliances
Using appliances like TVs, computers, or wired phones can be dangerous during a storm. Why? Lightning can strike power lines, causing a surge of electricity that may travel through your home’s wiring.
Concrete example: Imagine you’re watching a movie on your plugged-in TV during a thunderstorm. If lightning hits a nearby transformer, that surge can fry your TV and potentially harm you.
What to do instead: Unplug appliances during storms, or use surge protectors for essential devices.
2. Don’t Take Showers or Use Running Water
Water is a great conductor of electricity. If lightning strikes near your home, the electrical charge can travel through your plumbing. This means that washing your hands, doing dishes, or taking a shower can become unexpectedly dangerous.
Concrete example: A person in Florida was injured while washing dishes when lightning struck a nearby water pipe.
What to do instead: Wait until the storm passes before using water for non-essential tasks.
3. Avoid Leaning on Concrete Walls or Floors
Concrete contains metal reinforcements, which can conduct electricity. Leaning against walls or lying on concrete floors during a storm might expose you to a lightning strike’s energy.
Outdoor Activities to Avoid
If you’re caught outside during an electrical storm, your first goal should be to find shelter. While seeking safety, avoid these common mistakes:
1. Don’t Stand Under Trees
Many people think a tree provides good shelter during a storm. In reality, trees are one of the most dangerous places to be. Lightning often strikes tall objects, and the current can travel through the trunk and into the ground—right where you might be standing.
Concrete example: A hiker in the mountains took refuge under a tree during a storm and suffered severe burns when the tree was struck.
What to do instead: Find a low-lying area but avoid water or open fields.
2. Avoid Open Fields and Hilltops
Being the tallest object in an open area makes you a prime target for lightning. Standing on a hilltop or in the middle of a field essentially turns you into a lightning rod.
Concrete example: A farmer working in an open field was struck by lightning because there were no taller structures nearby.
What to do instead: Crouch low to the ground, keeping your feet together, and avoid lying flat.
Activities You Might Overlook
Even seemingly harmless actions can become risky during a thunderstorm. Here’s a list of less obvious activities to avoid:
1. Avoid Touching Metal Objects
Metal is an excellent conductor of electricity. Items like bicycles, umbrellas with metal tips, or even metal railings can carry a charge if struck by lightning.
2. Don’t Use Corded Phones
Yes, this includes landlines! If lightning strikes, the electrical current can travel through the phone line.
Concrete example: There have been cases where people were injured while talking on a corded phone during a thunderstorm.
What to do instead: Use mobile phones or cordless devices if you must make a call.
What About Your Car?
Cars can be a relatively safe place during a storm, thanks to their metal exterior acting as a Faraday cage. However, there are still precautions to take:
- Don’t touch the car's metal parts or door frames during the storm.
- Avoid parking under trees or power lines, as falling debris can cause injuries or damage.
Can Lightning Strike Twice? Myths vs. Facts
One of the biggest myths about lightning is that it doesn’t strike the same place twice. In reality, lightning often strikes the same spot multiple times, especially tall structures like skyscrapers or trees. Understanding these myths is crucial for making informed safety decisions.
Wrapping Up
Electrical storms are a natural marvel, but they demand respect. By knowing what to avoid and taking the right precautions, you can greatly reduce your risk of harm. Remember:
- Stay indoors and avoid water or appliances.
- Avoid tall objects, open fields, and metal when outside.
- Stay informed about weather conditions to prepare in advance.
The next time you see lightning flickering in the distance, ask yourself: Am I really doing everything to stay safe?