What Not To Do in a Thunderstorm

7/23/2020 (Permalink)

Whether you're outside or in your home, here is a list of essential things NOT to do when lightning is in the area.

Each year, about 400 people are struck by lightning in the United States. Now, about 90% of those people survive, but many have lingering injuries and burns. Getting hit by lightning is not something you want to do!

Check this list of what not to do if lightning is present and you’ll greatly reduce your chance of being struck by lightning.

What Not To Do If You’re Outside

Stand Out in the Open

When the thunder roars, go indoors! Try to get inside an enclosed building, which is the safest place to be. But if you are caught outdoors with no shelter available, crouch down low, with as little of your body as possible touching the ground.

Stand Under a Tree

Due to their height, trees attract lightning as it travels to the ground. The human body, unfortunately, conducts electricity even better than a tree does, so if you're near a tree, the lightning can jump from the tree to you. Avoid this very dangerous situation!

Lie Down on the Ground

You never want to be the tallest target if you’re caught out in a thunderstorm. But don’t lie down on the ground in an attempt to make yourself shorter. By stretching out on the ground, you actually make yourself a bigger target.

Sit on Concrete

Concrete, really? Yes, stay away from concrete, because buried within most concrete to strengthen it is metal rebar or wire mesh, both effective conductors of electricity.

What Not To Do If You’re at Home

Stand Near a Window

Stay away from windows during a thunderstorm because many windows contain metal parts that can attract lightning.

Use a Landline

While it is safe to use a cellphone (if it’s not plugged into a charger) during a thunderstorm, do not use your landline. Lightning can travel through the phone lines and electrocute you.

Keep Your Computer Plugged In

Even a top-rated surge protector can’t withstand a direct lightning strike, so unplug your computer and other devices, and consider unplugging appliances, too. If it’s plugged into an outlet, it’s at risk of being damaged by an electrical surge.

Use Small Appliances

Any appliance—iron, blowdryer, etc.—that’s plugged into an outlet can carry a current from a lightning strike, so don’t use or even be near a small electrical appliance.

Take a Bath or Shower

If lightning strikes near your house, powerful currents can travel through the pipes in your home and electrocute you in your bath or shower. Get cleaned up after the storm!

Wash the Dishes

For the same reason, don’t wash dishes during a thunderstorm. The dishes can wait.

Do Laundry

You definitely do not want to be near your washer and dryer during a thunderstorm! These appliances are connected to your home’s electrical system and they are metal, so lightning can run right through them and electrocute you.

Source: Bob Vila

If you have suffered damage from a storm or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785

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If you have suffered damage from a storm or other disaster at your home or business, call SERVPRO of Bloomfield/Enfield at 860-216-2785