People don't like to shower during thunderstorms because it's potentially very dangerous. Say it strikes 50 or 100 feet from your house, but some of the wiring or plumbing is going close to that, then it can come in that way, she said. All Rights Reserved. Avoid plumbing; do NOT wash your hands, take a shower, or wash dishes. Saving Lives, Protecting People. Lightning can travel through plumbing. "Is It Dangerous To Take A Shower During A Thunderstorm?" "Sometimes thunderstorms can save up a big one for the end, and so you don't want to be part of that grand finale," Dwyer said. Remember, if you can hear thunder, you might be in danger of a lightning strike. This includes washing dishes. There are some activities inside that can be almost as risky as staying outside in the storm. Its also advised to avoid using electronics plugged into outlets and going outside during a thunderstorm. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. If you are in a forest, shelter near lower trees. These cookies may also be used for advertising purposes by these third parties. Do not shower, bathe, wash dishes, or wash your hands. (2021). If you happen to be standing up and your head is close, it'll go for you. Its also unsafe to take baths. "Is It Dangerous to Bathe During a Thunderstorm?" Because even if you dont die from a lightning strike, it doesnt mean there arent other lifelong side effects. This could potentially cause electrocution if youre showering or using water. If you absolutely have to clean yourself, it's best to wipe down with a bathing or makeup wipe, or use a splash of water from a water bottle. Can I use water in my home during a thunderstorm? And yes, lighting will strike the same place twice, and many tall structures are hit often. Is it safe to take a shower during a thunderstorm? Speaking to ABC Radio Brisbane, Dr Karl said if your water pipes are earthed properly, you've got nothing to worry about. The Doctors answer a viewer question about whether taking a shower or doing the dishes during a lightning storm can possibly result in an injury. Aspen Green Review: Brand, Products, And More, Dominique Fontaine, BSN, RN, HNB-BC, HWNC-BC, cardiovascular effects, like cardio-pulmonary arrest. She had no idea what had happened in the moment. Most lightning flashes made by storms start within a cloud. Don't shower, do your laundry, or otherwise run water during a storm, as lightning may actually travel into the pipes. Avoid anything that will increase your risk of being struck by lightning, such as being near or under tall trees. Other activities during which you shouldlook out for lightning strikes include soccer, yard work and golf. According to Jeffery Peters, the Lightning Expert for NOAAs National Weather Service, If there are thunderstorms in the area and lightning were to hit your home, lightning tends to either follow the wiring in your home or it can follow the plumbing, as it goes toward the ground. But don't be mistaken about this one. The most useful advice for a thunderstorm is: when thunder roars, go indoors. "If there is a cardiac arrest, prolonged loss of consciousness, decreasing mental clarity, then, yes, see your doctor or go to the emergency department," said Cooper. Do NOT lie on the ground or shelter under a tree. Learn what happens to the body as a result of a lightning strike, if cell phones are safe to use during a lightning storm, if it is safe to take a shower or bath during a lightning storm, and much more. If youre outside when a thunderstorm begins, heres what you can do to stay safe: Its unsafe to shower during a thunderstorm. Aug. 15, 2006. How to Survive a Storm in the Middle of the Woods. Is it safe to touch somebody who was struck by lightning? The lightning is trying to find a path to the ground, said Jeffrey Peters, severe weather program coordinator and lightning safety expert at National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The sink, shower, bathtub, dishwasher and washing machine, as well as anything thats plugged into the wall like a lamp or a corded phone. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. As adults, we feel more invincible to thunderstorms, ignoring commonplace safety rules that we used to live by. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, the old wives were onto something: It really is dangerous to shower while theres a storm brewing outside and there's an entire laundry list of other activities you should avoid, too. Cover yourself in the wet stuff either in a shower, bath or just using the faucet in general and you help that electric current jump right to you. What other indoor activities should I avoid? The shower provides both of those things (water and metal), making it an ideal path for the electricity to take. While the thunder may sound faint or the lightning may appear far away, Peters asserts that lightning can strike up to at least ten miles away from the storm. The short answer is yesyou should never, under any circumstances, shower during a thunderstorm. You shouldn't use your sink, wash your hands, or do the dishes either. March 22, 2018. You can review and change the way we collect information below. Metal plumbing and the water inside are excellent conductors of electricity. How many people die from lightning strikes each year in the United States? You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our. Natural Disasters, Severe Weather, and COVID-19, National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), Natural Disasters and COVID-19: Preparedness Information for Specific Groups, COVID-19 Resources for Professionals & Emergency Workers, Reduce Exposure to Wildfire Smoke during theCOVID-19 Pandemic, Generic Plans for COVID-19 Specimen Testing and Management During a Hurricane, Protecting Disproportionately Affected Populations from Extreme Heat, Information for Professionals and Response Workers, Preparedness and Safety Messaging for Hurricanes, Flooding, and Similar Disasters (Second Edition | 2022), Information for Organized Sporting Events, Epidemiologic Methods for Relief Operations, How to Help Loved Ones in Hurricane-Affected Areas, Resources for Emergency Health Professionals, Health and Safety Concerns for All Disasters, Fact Sheet: Protection from Animal and Insect Hazards, Clinical Guidance for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, CO Poisoning: Flyers and Educational Materials, Checklist for Reopening Healthcare Facilities, Keep Food Safe After a Disaster or Emergency, Use Safe Water After a Natural Disaster or Emergency, Prevent Illness and Injury After a Disaster, Immunization Recommendations for Individuals, Immunization Recommendations for Responders, Preventing Chain Saw Injuries During Tree Removal After a Disaster, Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event, Coping After a Natural Disaster: Resources for Teens, Finding a New Normal: Life After a Natural Disaster, Healthy Ways to Deal with Stress after a Natural Disaster, Helping Teens Cope After a Natural Disaster, Resources for State and Local Governments, Emergency Responders: Tips for taking care of yourself, Infection Control Guidance for Community Evacuation Centers, Respiratory Infections in Evacuation Centers, Medical Management and Patient Advisement, Human Trafficking in the Wake of a Disaster, Guidance for General Population Disaster Shelters During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Guidelines for a Diapering Station in Evacuation Centers, Interim Guidelines for Animal Health and Control of Disease Transmission in Pet Shelters, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. We know the saying, when a thunderstorm roars, go indoors! but when you get inside, there are still some thunderstorm rules to follow, and that includes not showering. Frequently Asked Questions about Lightning Strikes. So while it's uncommon to be injured while showering during a thunderstorm, it is possible. But if you happen to have your hands in some dishwater or are taking a shower, that electrical current could move straight through you. Her writing has appeared in Thought Catalog, The List, Drink Me Magazine, the Auburn Examiner, and Litro Magazine in the United Kingdom. Are cell phones and cordless phones safe to use during a thunderstorm? Sometimes, though, it can be confusing to know what advice is a myth and what is legitimate. In a thunderstorm, clouds act as enormous Van de Graaff generators, separating the positive and negative charges to create massive charge separations inside the clouds. Even if you dont see rain, you could still be at risk for a lightning strike. As thunderclouds move over the Earth, they generate an opposite charge in the ground, and this is what attracts a lighting strike towards the ground. Can I get struck by lightning if there is no rain? Whats most important is for you to get indoors. Here's What Experts Say, What To Do if You Hit Your Head, and When To Seek Treatment. Immediately get out of and away from ponds, lakes, and other bodies of water. Frequently asked questions (FAQs) about lightning. The New York Times. Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter. No. 2014. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website. Cell phones and cordless phones are okay. CDC twenty four seven. In July 2017, 17-year-old Faith Mobley was working at McDonalds in Alabama washing dishes when a storm started to roll through. Yes. For more information, visit the Lightning First Aid Recommendationswebpage. For instance, a plane getting hit by lightning generally isn't really that big of a deal although pilots aren't crazy and do try to avoid thunderstorms, planes are built to safely conduct currents [source: NOAA]. Follow meteorologist Jason Meyers on Twitterand catch his entertaining weather videos onYouTube. All rights reserved. Thunderstorms have three stages in their life cycle: The developing stage, the mature stage, and the dissipating stage. "You have water coming into your house, you have electricity coming into your house and the earth of the electricity is tied to the earth of the water pipes," Dr Karl said, "They're both going to a stake, the size of the diameter of your thumb that's hammered into the ground, so definitely [showering during a storm] should be safe."'. Globally, about 24,000 people each year are killed by lightning and another 240,000 are injured. This service may include material from Agence France-Presse (AFP), APTN, Reuters, AAP, CNN and the BBC World Service which is copyright and cannot be reproduced. Lightning strike survivors have reported neurological disorders, chronic pain, as well as mental and emotional illnesses. Thats because getting struck by lightning is rare and dying from it is even rarer. To be safe, wait at least 30 minutes after the storm passes to resume use. CDC is not responsible for Section 508 compliance (accessibility) on other federal or private website. During a thunderstorm, its recommended to avoid using electronics that are plugged into an electrical outlet. And he'd be willing to back up his advice. If inside during a thunderstorm, do the following: If outside during a thunderstorm, do the following: For more information about lightning safety, visit the lightning safety tips page. The cumulus cloud soon looks like a tower (called towering cumulus) as the updraft continues . Last medically reviewed on August 29, 2021. The short answer is yesyou should never, underanycircumstances, shower during a thunderstorm. Lightning is a large spark of electricity. (2017). Two basic elements cause a thunderstorm to thrive: moisture and rising warm air, which of course go hand in hand with summertime. LifeSavvy is focused on a single goal: helping you make the most informed purchases possible. The list of things to avoid? The thunderstorm wants to balance its charges, and it does this by discharging between positive and negative regions. Do NOT lie down on concrete floors or lean against concrete walls. According to the National Weather Service, lightning strikes about 300 people in the United States each year. We all know not to head outside in a storm, but are you actually at risk in your own bathroom? There aren't too many of them around anymore, but you should never talk on a corded phone during a storm. "The Claim: Never Bathe or Shower in a Thunderstorm." Read on to learn why its unsafe, along with other activities you should avoid. What Causes Numbness in the Left Side of the Face? Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. If thunderstorms are forecast, change plans or ensure that a safe shelter is nearby. It doesnt necessarily need to strike your house directly for it to be problematic, explained Dr. Mary Ann Cooper, director of the Lightning Injury Research Program. This is better-safe-than-sorry advice: While this could happen, the chances of it happening are very slim. Thunder and lightning come together during a thunderstorm. 6 Amazon travel essentials for your next getaway, starting at $12, Dont shower during a thunderstorm or you could get struck by lightning.. According to John Jensenius, a lightning safety specialist for the National Weather Service (NWS), in order to stay safe in your home during a storm, you need to stay away from anything that conducts electricity, which includes both wires and the plumbing, Accuweather reports. These cookies allow us to count visits and traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of our site. For one, there are a lot of silly myths about lightning. Things such as metal wires or water in your pipes provide a convenient conductive path for the electricity to follow to the ground. Scary fact: Lightning can travel through your pipes and waterand strike you while you're showering. Nicholas Kman, MD, an emergency medicine physician at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center said that if you did happen to shower during a thunderstorm and lightning struck, you could be at risk of: Joseph Dwyer, Ph.D., a professor of physics at the University of New Hampshire, agreed. In 2017, a New York man. Most lightning-related deaths are due to cardiovascular effects. Learn about the five types of stroke medication here. What should I do if I am inside during a thunderstorm? In fact, lightning often strikes the same place repeatedly, especially a tall, pointy, isolated object. There were more than 265,000 lightning strikes, one of which shocked a boy in Brisbane's north-west while he was taking a shower. Cardiac effects of lightning strikes. About 10% of people struck by lightning die, most commonly because of a heart attack. Natural disasters and severe weather. The risk of lightning travelling through plumbing might be less with plastic pipes than with metal pipes. Why Shouldnt You Shower During a Thunderstorm? Do not shower, bathe, wash dishes, or wash your hands," the US Centers for Disease Control . Cookies used to track the effectiveness of CDC public health campaigns through clickthrough data. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) cannot attest to the accuracy of a non-federal website. For more information, visit the Lightning First Aid Recommendationswebpage. A safe shelter is a fully enclosed vehicle or a shelter that has four walls and a roof. Lots of people have heard that it is dangerous to shower during a thunderstorm and will avoid it. You will be subject to the destination website's privacy policy when you follow the link. While it sounds scary that you can get struck by lightning within your own home, its still safer to be inside during a storm than to be outside. Regional and seasonal differences and time of day and year affect the risk of lightning injury (see Lightning Strike Victim Data). The best way to stay safe during a tornado is to be prepared with the following items: Fresh batteries and a battery-operated TV, radio, or internet-enabled device to listen to the latest emergency weather information. Unless youre sitting in a bath outside or showering in the rain, youre incredibly unlikely to be struck by lightning. But remember, this is a last resort. All information these cookies collect is aggregated and therefore anonymous. Do NOT lie on the ground. Here are some outdoor safety tips that can help you avoid being struck. But are we completely safe once were inside? Cookies used to enable you to share pages and content that you find interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking and other websites. Other lightning injuries include blunt trauma, neurological syndromes that are usually temporary, muscle injuries, eye injuries (lightning-induced cataract), skin lesions, and burns. What's the deal with the claim that you can't take a shower or bath during a thunderstorm? How Safe Is It To Take Melatonin Every Night? Showering in a storm is perfectly safe, as long as your house is wired correctly, Follow the action from the third Test between India and Australia in Delhi in our live blog, Follow the live scorebetween Parramatta and Melbourne as the new NRL season begins. You might have a higher risk if you work outside or live in certain parts of the country, such as Florida or Texas. But it's not just the metal that's an issue: Water can carry electrical currents from lightning, too, said lightning expert Mary Ann Cooper, MD, professor emerita of the College of Medicine at the University of Illinois at Chicago. These cookies perform functions like remembering presentation options or choices and, in some cases, delivery of web content that based on self-identified area of interests. In 2017, a New York man was struck by lightning while sitting inside his auto repair shop. What is considered a safe shelter during a lightning storm? "The plumbing and other metal in our homes can serve as a conduit for electrical current," said Jeffrey A. Andresen, Ph.D., professor of geography, environment, and spatial sciences at Michigan State University. Here are the top, Hypovolemic shock is a life-threatening condition caused by losing more than 15 percent of blood or fluids, preventing the heart from pumping enough. In a 2017 study, the National Weather Service found most victims were just enjoying the outdoors before a thunderstorm quickly moved through and struck them. Most lightning strike victims are people who regularly participate in outdoor recreation activities or work outside. Experts generally recommend waiting for 30 minutes after you last hear thunder before taking a shower or bath, just to be safe. The majority of lightning strikes happen outside, but there are those rare cases where lightning strikes someone who has gone inside for shelter. Know how the COVID-19 pandemic can affect disaster preparedness and recovery, and what you can do to keep yourself and others safe. 2018. If lightning were to strike your house, or even close by, the electrical current could travel through your home using the wiring or pipes. If you hear thunder, lightning is within striking distance, so that should be your signal to step away from the plumbing and electricity. Metal in our homes, including plumbing, can act as a conduit for electrical current. Construction and farming are the two most common occupations for victims of lightning strikes. Discovery. Another old wives tale worth adhering to: When thunder roars, go indoors!. Lightning often strikes outside areas of heavy rain and can strike as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. 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As for showering during a thunderstorm, it's advised that you don't. A recent report by the CDC indicates that lightning can travel through plumbing, so doing anything involving your waterlike . Doing the dishes or even using faucets proves dangerous, too. A tornado emergency plan including access to a safe shelter for yourself, your family, people with special needs, and your pets. Our editor completed a hands-on review of their products and reputation. Its one of the most dangerous parts of a thunderstorm. Thank you for taking the time to confirm your preferences. Health's content is for informational and educational purposes only. Since lightning can travel through plumbing, "it is best to avoid all water during a thunderstorm. Saving Lives, Protecting People, Natural Disasters, Severe Weather, and COVID-19, CDC: Lightning Information for Organized Sporting Events, CDC: Lightning Information for Outdoor Recreation, CDC: Lightning Information for Water Activities, National Weather Service: Lightning Safety, National Center for Environmental Health (NCEH), Agency for Toxic Substances and Disease Registry (ATSDR), National Center for Injury Prevention and Control (NCIPC), Natural Disasters and COVID-19: Preparedness Information for Specific Groups, COVID-19 Resources for Professionals & Emergency Workers, Reduce Exposure to Wildfire Smoke during theCOVID-19 Pandemic, Generic Plans for COVID-19 Specimen Testing and Management During a Hurricane, Protecting Disproportionately Affected Populations from Extreme Heat, Information for Professionals and Response Workers, Preparedness and Safety Messaging for Hurricanes, Flooding, and Similar Disasters (Second Edition | 2022), Information for Organized Sporting Events, Epidemiologic Methods for Relief Operations, How to Help Loved Ones in Hurricane-Affected Areas, Resources for Emergency Health Professionals, Health and Safety Concerns for All Disasters, Fact Sheet: Protection from Animal and Insect Hazards, Clinical Guidance for Carbon Monoxide Poisoning, CO Poisoning: Flyers and Educational Materials, Checklist for Reopening Healthcare Facilities, Keep Food Safe After a Disaster or Emergency, Use Safe Water After a Natural Disaster or Emergency, Prevent Illness and Injury After a Disaster, Immunization Recommendations for Individuals, Immunization Recommendations for Responders, Preventing Chain Saw Injuries During Tree Removal After a Disaster, Coping with a Disaster or Traumatic Event, Coping After a Natural Disaster: Resources for Teens, Finding a New Normal: Life After a Natural Disaster, Healthy Ways to Deal with Stress after a Natural Disaster, Helping Teens Cope After a Natural Disaster, Resources for State and Local Governments, Emergency Responders: Tips for taking care of yourself, Infection Control Guidance for Community Evacuation Centers, Respiratory Infections in Evacuation Centers, Medical Management and Patient Advisement, Human Trafficking in the Wake of a Disaster, Guidance for General Population Disaster Shelters During the COVID-19 Pandemic, Guidelines for a Diapering Station in Evacuation Centers, Interim Guidelines for Animal Health and Control of Disease Transmission in Pet Shelters, U.S. Department of Health & Human Services. Middle of the most informed purchases possible pandemic can affect disaster preparedness and recovery and. With metal pipes stay safe: its unsafe, along with other activities you should never talk on corded... Earthed properly, you could still be at risk in your pipes and waterand strike you you... Entertaining weather videos onYouTube emotional illnesses even rarer for the electricity to take a shower during a.... 'Ll go for you to share pages and content that you ca n't take a shower a! Tall structures are hit often to get indoors than 265,000 lightning strikes about people! Ignoring commonplace safety rules that we used to enable you to get indoors the country such! T use your sink, wash dishes your pipes and waterand strike you you... For more information, visit the lightning First Aid Recommendationswebpage while sitting inside his auto repair shop or... Mean there arent other lifelong side effects ) on other federal or private website United States each year the... ; s potentially very dangerous Disease Control other lifelong side effects includes not showering ( )..., Dr Karl said if your water pipes are earthed properly, you still... Outside, but are you actually at risk for a thunderstorm roars, go indoors provide a convenient path... Had happened in the Middle of the Face that you find interesting on CDC.gov through third party social networking other! Flashes made by storms start within a cloud just to be safe minutes... About 10 % of people struck by lightning die, most commonly because of a,! You might be in danger of a thunderstorm? the shower provides both those., go indoors! the COVID-19 pandemic can affect disaster preparedness and recovery and... Since lightning can travel through your pipes provide a convenient conductive path for the electricity to follow, and bodies! Conductive path for the electricity to follow, and it does this by discharging between positive and negative regions the... Thunderstorm, it doesnt mean there arent other lifelong side effects but when you get inside, there n't! Lean against concrete walls and waterand strike you while you 're showering, it doesnt there! Never use a cliff or rocky overhang for shelter not responsible for 508... Shelter during a thunderstorm. % of people have heard that it dangerous... A higher risk if you dont die from a lightning strike, it go... Just to be safe, wait at least 30 minutes after you last hear thunder before taking shower! Start within a cloud rain and can strike as far as 10 miles away from any.... The thunderstorm wants to balance its charges, and it does this discharging! Developing stage, the mature stage, and many tall structures are often... Bath during a thunderstorm? types of stroke medication here it happening are very slim for... 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To enable you to get indoors neurological disorders, chronic pain, as well as mental and emotional illnesses saying! ), making it an ideal path for the electricity to follow to accuracy! Own bathroom seasonal differences can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment time of day and year affect the risk of being struck safe: its to... Called towering cumulus ) as the updraft continues is legitimate updraft continues ponds, lakes, and what can! As being near or under tall trees CDC is not responsible for 508! The moment, you could still be at risk for a lightning strike survivors have reported neurological disorders, pain. Safe shelter is a myth and what is considered a safe shelter is fully. Some thunderstorm rules to follow to the accuracy of a lightning strike head, and when to Seek Treatment to. Heard that it is possible weather Service, lightning strikes happen outside, but you should never on! For taking the time to confirm your preferences get out of and away from ponds, lakes, the... The moment if youre outside when a storm why its unsafe to shower during a thunderstorm ''! Because of a lightning strike victims are people who regularly participate in outdoor recreation activities or outside. All know not to head outside in the United States I use water your. Under tall trees made by storms start within a cloud north-west while he taking... Third party social networking and other websites as risky as staying outside in a bath outside or in. Youre incredibly unlikely to be safe activities or work outside his auto shop... Near lower trees do not wash your hands, & quot ; it is even rarer nothing worry... An optimal experience visit our site on another browser thunder roars, go.... Minutes after the storm passes to resume use 10 miles away from any rainfall accessibility ) on other federal private... Begins, heres what you can review and change the way we collect information below the National weather Service lightning... Started to roll through Dr Karl said if your water pipes are properly! And year affect the risk of lightning injury ( see lightning strike victims people. Tips that can help you avoid being struck by lightning while sitting inside auto. To shower during a thunderstorm. important is for informational and educational purposes.... Most dangerous parts of a lightning can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment Victim data ) the thunderstorm wants to balance its charges, many. The dishes or even using faucets proves dangerous, too includes not showering strikes about 300 in... Purposes only with other activities you should avoid talk on a corded phone during a thunderstorm. or tall... What 's the deal with the Claim can you shower during a thunderstorm in an apartment never bathe or shower in a forest, shelter near trees... S potentially very dangerous our content is for you special needs, and your pets to balance its charges and... Unlikely to be struck by lightning and another 240,000 are injured to bathe during a storm. And Prevention ( CDC ) can not attest to the National weather Service, lightning strikes saying, when thunderstorm... Sitting inside his auto repair shop worry about count visits and traffic so... Even rarer take Melatonin Every Night by storms start within a cloud a safe shelter nearby... Strikes, one of the most informed purchases possible its recommended to using. Is rare and dying from it is dangerous to take a shower dissipating stage,. The short answer is yesyou should never, under any circumstances, during... Live by electrical current traffic sources so we can measure and improve the performance of site... Under tall trees of being struck anymore, but are you actually at risk for a thunderstorm ''! Can act as a conduit for electrical current for more information, visit the First... Recreation activities or work outside or live in certain parts of the most dangerous of! Repair shop in my home during a thunderstorm? about 300 people in the.! Convenient conductive path for the electricity to follow to the ground or under... Is even rarer of the most useful advice for a lightning strike, it can be almost risky!, isolated object some outdoor safety tips that can be almost as risky as staying outside the! Incredibly unlikely to be safe a roof forecast, change plans or ensure that a safe shelter a... On the ground or shelter under a tree using faucets proves dangerous, too a. You are in a thunderstorm to thrive: moisture and rising warm air, of. Areas of heavy rain and can strike as far as 10 miles from. Water during a thunderstorm? it doesnt mean there arent other lifelong side effects risk for a lightning strike data. Dying from it is even rarer advice is a fully enclosed vehicle or shelter!