We are often caught off guard when we hear a sudden thunderstorm and see lightning strikes the sky. Extreme weather conditions that we have experienced during the New Year and are being forecasted to happen during this rainy season bring about thunders and lightning.

While we think that by staying indoors is safe, we need to take certain precautions inside our own homes.

Did you know that electrical currents can travel through pipes in your home just like it can travel from your phone land line? Avoid taking a shower during a thunderstorm or using your land line. It is not worth the risk although it may be small.

Your house will be a safe place during thunderstorms if you avoid devices that conduct electricity. However, in any room, we are surrounded by electronic devices that need electricity to work.


How to stay safe when a thunderstorm threatens.

Prepare now
• Know your area’s risk for thunderstorms.
• Consider buying surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system to protect your home, appliances, and electronic devices.
• Cut down or trim trees that may be in danger of falling on your home.

When lightning threatens
• When thunder roars, go indoors. A sturdy building is still the safest place.
• Avoid tap areas made of iron, doors made of metal, and windows.
• Avoid running water or using landline phones, television, computer, or even your cell mobile chargers, as electricity can travel through it. Best to unplug appliances and other electric devices.
• Avoid flooded roadways. Turn around, don’t drown.

Always be safe after
Your house remains the safest choice for shelter when lightning rains occur as cases of people struck by lightning when inside the house are less common than when they are outside. Keep updated on weather forecasts for information on whether it is safe to go outside and if any potential flash flooding. Be active and report to TMD if you find any fallen power lines or trees around your area.

We won’t really know when exactly and where exactly lightning will strike. This should make you more aware and be more cautious when thunderstorm rolls. Know what to do to stay safe!