We are in the rainy season now. Even last week, we were shocked by the news of flash floods that had happened in the center of Kuala Lumpur.
Everyone has to be careful with this rainy season as some people might easily catch the flu. Another thing that we should take care of is a thunderstorm. Malaysia received a lot of thunderstorms when it is raining. Thunderstorms not only dangerous when we are outside of the building, but it can also be harmful to us when we are staying inside our house. How can it be?
Thunderstorms can be harmful they can strike us through water and pipes at our home. The lightning can travel through them when we are taking a bath or washing hands. Sounds familiar with this fact? Old people used to advise us with this, but we pay no attention as we think this is simply a myth.
According to Jeffrey Peters, National Weather Service (NWS) Lightning Safety Expert and Severe Weather Program Coordinator, said that there a risk when using water at home that is along the path of the lightning. We are very familiar that water can be a conductor for electricity as it contains dissolved minerals.
It is also dangerous to use water during thunderstorms is because of metal plumbing pipes that can transmit electricity, said Mary Ann Cooper who is a lightning expert. A process named conduction allows electricity from the lightning to travel through pipes and water.
Lightning can travel towards the ground through the plumbing, wiring, and phone lines when it strikes a house. However, it also depends on the strength of the lightning strike, the moisture of the ground, and other factors. Peters advised people to avoid using water inside the home during thunderstorms. Although being killed when using water during thunderstorms might be a rare case, there are people who are injured and have to cope with life-long health issues.
Source: thehealthy.com