When Lightning Strikes – Is it safe to … carry on normal living, during a thunderstorm?

When lightning strikes during thunderstorms, do you wonder if it’s safe to carry on normal living?

Is it Safe to watch TV during a thunderstorm?

If your home is equipped with an external and internal lightning protection system and appropriate surge protective devices, you can watch your favourite TV show without risk during the thunderstorm.

How safe is it to surf the internet during lightning?

Appropriate Surge protective devices for the power supply and data lines protect your PC against the negative effects of surges caused by remote lightning strikes. However, a complete lightning protection system must be installed to protect your home in case of a direct lightning strike.

Am I ok using the telephone during a thunderstorm?

If the telephone system is connected to an equipotential bonded structure. And is protected by surge protective devices. Therefore, it is safe to do so.  Also, you may also safely use telephones with mobile handsets.

Even take a shower during a thunderstorm, how safe is that?

It is safe to do so if the metal supply lines are properly integrated (to the latest standards) in the equipotential bonding of the structure.

Reference and Images:  DEHN + SOHNE (2012) “When Lightning Strikes, What to do during a Thunderstorm”