Is it dangerous to take a shower during a storm?

[Anonymous]

Nerd storm and weather watcher here and I do not shower, bathe or hand wash dishes during a storm. Remember learning not to talk on a landline phone BITD either.

No showers during an electrical storm!

Some of the most inconsiderate, strangest people I've ever met happen to be the most highly educated.

[Anonymous]

I have absolutely heard this. I thought it had to do with above ground metal pipes, which almost nobody has.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:OP, how do you not know this?

I would question your education, not your neighbors.

Op here--I consider myself an intelligent person, but somehow I have never heard anyone talk about this until today! Maybe I have been living under a weather-proof rock.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is her level of education?

College grad!

US college?

[Anonymous]

When I was a kid, I went to a summer camp that was up on a mountain. When there was a thunder storm, nobody was allowed anywhere near the bathroom. No showers, no sinks, not even the toilet. All the pipes were above ground.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is her level of education?

Sounds like you are implying (snarling) that it must be low because this is a stupid notion? If so, what is yours?

College grad

[Anonymous]

I can't say whether this is true or not, but I've heard it many, many times and I think it's ridiculous to assume OP is stupid just because you've never heard of it before. It's not stupid, but an old rule. I don't know if it applies to modern plumbing.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:there is some truth to the fear: http://www.discovery.com/tv-shows/mythbusters/mythbusters-database/shower-in-thunderstorm/

This seems to prove that it is safer to avoid the shower during a storm. At least the National Weather Service thinks so.

[Anonymous]

I was always told to avoid showering when there is thunder and lightning. I was also told to stay away from windows. I think the risk of a strike is extremely small but it is not zero.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I grew up in Florida where the risk of getting struck by lightning is much higher. I was always taught not to shower or do dishes during a lightening storm. Just looked it up and it's apparently true. The risk is small but real.

PP who questioned the education level, you are an ass. I went to college. It certainly didn't make me smarter than many people who did not. Most city people wouldn't last a week out in the country despite the degree.

Yes this is drilled into your head in Florida b/c it's thunderstorms every day for half the year.

Risk is small but real. Do you drive with out a seat belt?

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:OP, how do you not know this?

I would question your education, not your neighbors.

Op here--I consider myself an intelligent person, but somehow I have never heard anyone talk about this until today! Maybe I have been living under a weather-proof rock.

I apologize OP. That snark was actually meant for the poster after you

[Anonymous]

Yep. It's why I didn't bathe my kids last night and will tonight instead. It's a small risk, but skipping a bath is no-risk.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:What is her level of education?

Sounds like you are implying (snarling) that it must be low because this is a stupid notion? If so, what is yours?

College grad

Some people are very helpless in spite of paying a lot of money for a degree.

[Anonymous]

I heard this too growing up in NY state. Even after graduating Ivy undergrad and law school I still will avoid showering during a t-storm. It doesn't seem likely but I still hear my grandmother's warnings.

[Anonymous]

Grew up with this, too. I got zapped via the frig handle when it hit the tree next to our house, though. A friend has hearing loss from being on a land line when lightning struck the building. No joke!