Why You Should Never Shower During a Thunderstorm

Summer brings surf, sand, and severe thunderstorms. According to the National Weather Service, lightning is most active from June through September, making the upcoming season the most crucial time of year for lightning safety. Although the chance of being struck by lightning is low, it’s still worth following a few basic precautions to avoid putting yourself at risk. One that you might not know? Avoid showering. 

Why You Shouldn’t Shower During a Thunderstorm

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), roughly one-third of lightning-strike injuries happen indoors. One of the ways that can happen is by running water, the CDC explains, because lightning can travel through a building’s plumbing. Although the risk is greater with metal pipes compared to plastic, the CDC still urges people to avoid such activities as filling a bathtub, showering, or washing dishes.

To be safe, you’ll want to wait at least 30 minutes after the storm ends before getting back to your typical activities. The riskiest times are at the beginning and the end of the storm, according to the CDC. 

Other Indoor Activities to Avoid During a Thunderstorm

Lightning can also travel through electrical, radio, and television reception systems, as well as metal wires and concrete, the CDC states. So as tempting as it may be to binge-watch your favorite show, the organization advises against using anything connected to electrical outlets, such as computers, TVs, and appliances, like washers or stoves. The good news is that it’s fine to use your cell phone, giving you a good excuse to scroll through TikTok! You’ll also want to avoid lying on concrete floors or lounging too close to windows.

Of course, the risk of getting struck is low. The CDC estimates that about 40 million lightning strikes hit the ground every year in the U.S. Your odds are less than one in a million, and nearly one-third of lightning strikes occur indoors. Safety tidbit: Lightning strikes typically occur on Saturday afternoons in the summer, when people are most likely to be out and about. So when the weather turns, you’ll want to head inside and postpone that shower!