Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm: you'll be surprised to learn the unexpected answer

Lightning can strike almost anywhere, especially during the warm season. For example, it strikes the ground about 25 million times a year in the United States.

Over the past 10 years, lightning has killed an average of 25 people per year in the United States. Water-related activities account for 34% of all recreation-related fatalities, while agriculture/ranching accounts for 23% of work-related fatalities, according to the National Weather Service (NWS).

The street is the most dangerous place to be during a thunderstorm. Each year, almost all people in the United States who are injured or killed by lightning were participating in outdoor activities. They were struck while working outside or participating in an outdoor sporting event, boating, or fishing.

The only safe place to be during a lightning strike is in a large building or an enclosed car. If you are outdoors, such as in a park, at a lake, or at an outdoor sporting event, find the nearest safe place. A safe place is any substantial building (a substantial building is a fully enclosed structure that has electrical wiring and plumbing). In addition, any enclosed car or truck with a hard roof also provides excellent protection against lightning strikes.

If there is a risk of lightning, it is best to move away from tall, isolated objects such as trees. Stay away from open areas. Stay as low as possible with your feet together if lightning is nearby. If you are with a group of people, spread out so that if someone is struck by lightning, others can provide first aid.

The dangerous electric current associated with a lightning strike usually enters a building through wires, cables, or pipes that are connected to the building from the outside. Lightning can also directly enter a building through an open window, door, or garage door. Once inside the building, dangerous current can travel through the electrical, telephone, cable, and plumbing systems, as well as through metal wires or rods in concrete walls or floors.

Wired electronic devices are the leading cause of lightning damage indoors. These include personal computer keyboards, game consoles, and corded telephones. Other injuries have occurred when people have been near televisions that are connected to an outdoor cable or satellite system.

It is very important to stay away from any plumbing when lightning strikes outside. This includes sinks, bathtubs, and showers. Do not wash dishes by hand, bathe children, or take a shower during lightning. It's best to wait to do laundry until after the storm is over as washers and dryers are connected to the electrical and plumbing systems.