Being indoors is often the safest way to avoid being struck by lightning; However, if lightning strikes a building or a power line directly, you will still risk electrocution if you are in contact with elements that conduct electricity. To protect yourself from indoor lightning strikes, you should avoid performing certain activities that can lead to electrocution and other fatal injuries. Keep reading this article to learn about the many methods to protect yourself from lightning.
Steps
Step 1. Avoid using pipes during storms
If lightning strikes your home, or another nearby location, it can electrically charge your plumbing and cause electric shock if you use these pipes.
- Don't take showers or baths, and don't use sinks or taps during storms.
- Have PVC pipes installed for the internal plumbing. Tubes made of this material can prevent electric shocks during storms.
Step 2. Avoid using the land line telephone during storms
If lightning strikes the main telephone line in your neighborhood or outside your home, the electricity from the hit will travel to all phones connected to the line, and electrocute anyone who is using them.
Step 3. Buy or install cordless phones, or use your cell phone if you have to make a call during a storm
Step 4. Do not use electrical appliances plugged into sockets during storms
Appliances plugged into wall outlets can be dangerous if lightning strikes your home or the power line that powers them.
- Turn off televisions, computers, air conditioners, and other appliances during storms.
- Use cordless or battery-operated appliances during storms to avoid electric shock. Examples of cordless appliances are cordless vacuums, curling irons, and electric razors.
Step 5. Avoid standing on damp or wet surfaces during storms
Electric current will travel across the ground in the presence of water, and can electrocute anyone in contact with these surfaces. Examples of surfaces to avoid are basement floors, porches, garage floors, and other surfaces where water or moisture may be present.
Step 6. Don't lean or sit against walls during storms
In some cases, lightning can reach electrical cables in walls, and it can electrocute you if you are in contact with a wall.
Advice
- Connect appliances to dischargers, at home or in the office. Even if a discharger does not guarantee the total protection of your appliances in the event of a lightning strike, they can minimize the electrical discharges that can damage them.
- Unplug major appliances during storms. This way you will avoid permanent damage from lightning.
