It is not safe to shower during a lightning storm. Lightning is a powerful electrical discharge that can travel through conductive materials, including a home’s plumbing and electrical systems. While being indoors offers protection, it does not completely eliminate the risk of injury.
The Path of Lightning Indoors
Lightning seeks the path of least electrical resistance to reach the ground. Homes are filled with conductive pathways lightning can exploit, including metal plumbing pipes, electrical wiring, phone lines, and cable television lines. A direct lightning strike on a house can send a massive surge of electricity through these systems.
Even without a direct strike, lightning can still pose a threat indoors. A strike to the ground near a house can send current through the earth and into the home’s utility lines and pipes. This phenomenon, known as a ground current, allows lightning to travel through internal electrical and plumbing systems, potentially damaging appliances and posing a risk to occupants.
Bathroom Risks During a Storm
The bathroom presents hazards during a lightning storm due to its direct connection to the home’s plumbing system. Metal water pipes are effective conductors of electricity; if lightning current travels through them, it can reach faucets, showerheads, and other fixtures. Water also conducts electricity, making activities like showering or bathing dangerous.
When lightning current travels through pipes, it can jump to a person in contact with water or metal fixtures, leading to an electrical shock. This risk extends beyond showering to other water-based activities such as washing hands or doing dishes. It is advisable to avoid contact with all plumbing and running water during a thunderstorm.
General Indoor Safety Measures
To enhance safety indoors during a lightning storm, avoid contact with any conductive materials connected to the outside. This includes corded phones and electrical equipment such as computers, televisions, and other appliances. These items can transmit a lightning surge into the home and pose a shock hazard.
It is also advisable to stay away from windows and doors, as well as concrete floors and walls, because lightning can travel through metal components or rebar within concrete. If possible, unplug electronic devices before a storm begins, but avoid unplugging them during a storm due to the risk of being struck. After the last sound of thunder, it is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes before resuming normal activities, as lightning can strike even after the rain has stopped.