Do not shower during a thunderstorm and avoid any contact with water

If a thunderstorm has trapped you inside and you have the urge to take a shower, do not rush to do so. According to statistics, lightning can strike the water supply system and this is deadly for those who use it

Moreover, The Hill warns that not only showers should be avoided but also all activities involving the use of water from water pipes, including washing dishes and hands. In particular, the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) report states, "The likelihood of lightning passing through a water supply system is low, especially if the pipes are plastic. However, it is best to avoid any contact with running water during a thunderstorm to minimize the risk of electric shock."

Here are additional precautions to take when bad weather is approaching:

• Go inside, close doors, and stay away from windows.
• Do not use a corded telephone.
• Do not use electronic and household appliances that run on power: computers, hair dryers, gaming systems, etc.
• If you are outside, do not hide under trees. They are the most likely to be struck by lightning.
• Stay away from natural and artificial water sources, such as lakes, rivers, and swimming pools.
• Do not lie down on the ground. The electric current from the discharge is transmitted through the topsoil for a distance of more than 30 meters.

By the way, according to the CDC, about 10% of people die after being struck by lightning, usually from a heart attack.

According to the National Weather Service, more than 43 fatal lightning strikes in the United States have been recorded annually from 1989 to 2018. The probability of being struck by lightning is 1 in 15,300, but this figure varies depending on the characteristics of the area, as well as where the potential victim is located.