Q&A for How to Protect Yourself in a Thunderstorm

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Where can I be if my house has a lot of windows?

Community Answer

You should just be in the middle of your room. As long as you aren't standing directly next to the window, don't worry about it.

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Question

Why is it safest to be in the lowest part of a house during a thunderstorm?

Community Answer

Because it gives you less of a chance of getting hit by lightning. If you are inside, it is still necessary to take precautions.

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Question

Can I use wireless electronics, like my tablet?

Community Answer

Yes, but keep it unplugged. If your house is struck by lightning, not only can you get struck, but if it strikes the house, your tablet could sustain damage.

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Question

What does it mean when there is thunder but no lightning?

Ryan Amalfitano

Community Answer

It means that a thunderstorm is close by, but not close enough to see lightning. Get inside, even if you just hear thunder and don't see lightning.

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Question

How can I deal with my fear of lightning?

Community Answer

Remember that being struck by lightning is extraordinarily rare. Protect yourself by avoiding the outdoors and metal, and distract yourself during a storm by reading your favorite book or listening to music you love.

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Question

What should I do if I have to go out in a thunderstorm?

Community Answer

Wear a raincoat and rubber boots, avoid trees and windows, do not touch metal and try to seek shelter as soon as possible.

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Question

What does it mean if there is lightning, but no thunder?

Community Answer

It means a storm is approaching, but is too far away to hear the thunder. You should get to a shelter.

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Question

Can I lay down on my bed during a thunderstorm?

Community Answer

Yes, of course! If you're inside a house, then you're not likely to get struck by lightning unless you are using a telephone.

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Question

Is it okay to use my cell phone to listen to music with ear buds while it is charging?

Community Answer

No, not while it is charging through a wall socket, because the electricity could travel through your phone and to your body. Unplugging the phone from the socket makes it safe.

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Question

Why does my mom get scared whenever I use my cell phone or some other battery powered object during a storm? I thought it is 100% okay to do so.

Community Answer

It is perfectly safe to use a cell phone during a thunderstorm. Parents don't know everything. That being said, sometimes it's nice to just agree to what your parents ask of you to make them feel better.

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Question

How do we get protection from a thunderstorm?

Ryan Amalfitano

Community Answer

The best way to get protection during a thunderstorm is to be inside of a fully enclosed building or vehicle.

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Question

Is in a car the safest place to be during a thunderstorm?

Community Answer

If you have no access to a substantial building, then a metal-topped car is indeed safest. (Remember to not touch anything metal inside the car.) However, if you do have access to a substantial structure, do not go looking for a car. The building is the safest place. Go inside and stay away from windows.

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Question

What should I avoid during a lightning storm?

Community Answer

Avoid metals and high surfaces to stay safe and avoid getting struck by lightning.

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Question

Can lightning come through a window?

Community Answer

Yes, lightning can strike through a window. A close lightning strike can also shatter the window's glass.

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Question

What do I do in the car during a storm?

Community Answer

If you're uncomfortable driving during a storm, stop the car and wait. If you can, get to a parking lot. If not, pull to the side of the road and turn on your emergency blinkers. It's safer to stay inside your car than to go outside during a storm.

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Question

Can I use my phone during a thunder storm if my house is a two stories, and my room is upstairs?

Soham Sen

Community Answer

You can. It is safe to use wireless cell phones, but remember not to use wired (landline) telephones.

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Question

Can I use my iPad during a thunderstorm? And are headphones plugged into the iPad safe to use?

Community Answer

Yes. As long as it's not charging, it should be okay. Headphones are totally fine.

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Question

Why am I not allowed to go near windows? Am I allowed to touch metal or move around the house?

Community Answer

Being near windows is dangerous as nearby lightning may strike through the window, though it is unlikely. Touching metal during a thunderstorm is not recommended, as it conducts electricity well, though having a lightning rod on your house should take care of any issues with metal. It is OK to move around your house during a storm.

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Question

Could I use my closet during a thunderstorm?

Community Answer

Yes, as there are few risks in using a closet during a thunderstorm. Just make sure you stay safe.

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Question

If I am inside my room and not using the telephone, is there any chance that I can struck by lightning?

Community Answer

There is a chance, but it's so statistically unlikely that it's not even worth worrying about.

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Question

What do I do if I am afraid of thunderstorms?

Ryan Amalfitano

Community Answer

Keep in mind that it is very rare to get struck by lightning. You can distract yourself from the thunderstorm by watching a good movie, listening to music you love, reading a book you love, or painting or drawing. As long as you are inside a building or a vehicle with windows and doors shut you are safe form lightning.

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Question

Do I need to stay away from lights during a thunderstorm?

Community Answer

No, you should be OK as long as there is a higher point than your electrical wires in your neighborhood. Lightning will always strike the highest point (that's why you see metal poles on church steeples).

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Question

Can you use your cell phone during a thunderstorm?

Community Answer

Yes, it is perfectly safe to use a cell phone during a thunderstorm as long as you are inside. Avoid using it outside, though.

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Question

Can I go to the bathroom?

Community Answer

Yes, you can. Unless if it is extremely wet. If it is wet, wipe the wet part immediately.

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Question

Can I eat or cook during a thunderstorm?

Community Answer

Yes, you can most definitely eat during a storm. If you want to cook, cook inside and stay away from windows. Also, keep in mind that your power could be knocked out in the middle of prepping your meal. You may want to go for something that doesn't require a lot of actual cooking effort.

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Question

Can I cook during a lightning storm (using electric cooker)?

Community Answer

No, you shouldn't.

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Question

What if you're watching YouTube or playing a game on an electronic device? Will you be at higher risk?

Community Answer

If you are touching the device and the device is plugged into an outlet, yes. If the device is not plugged into an outlet, there is no risk. You're also pretty safe watching TV as long as you don't touch it, though the TV itself is not 100% safe.

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Question

Can I watch television during a lightning storm?

Community Answer

You run the risk of blowing out your TV if the lightning hits your house.

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Question

Would I use an umbrella in such conditions?

Community Answer

I wouldn't recommend doing so because a) If it has metal lining, your umbrella will attract lightning, and b) If the storm is really strong, your umbrella will most likely fly away. Instead, wear a waterproof raincoat and rain boots if you decide to go out in such weather.

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Question

If I am biking while a lightning storm is taking place, should I get off my bike or stay on?

Community Answer

Get off ASAP and get low on the ground with your hands over your head and your knees up against your chest.

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