Making Mealtime Meaningful: Discover how we're giving back with the 12T Cares program →

When we hear thunder, we know that lightning isn’t far behind. We’ve all been told that lightning is dangerous and we shouldn’t be out in the open during a storm. That is why most of us will seek shelter in the safety of our home when we hear that first roll of thunder.

However, as we go about our routines indoors during a thunderstorm, we may not be aware that lightning can still shock us if it happens to strike the water pipes in our homes. According to a lightning safety specialist for the National Weather Service, John Jensenius, there is that possibility, which is why we should avoid surfaces that conduct electricity. This means staying away from both wiring and plumbing, as Accuweather states.

View this post on Instagram

Lightning strikes are some of nature's most-impressive fireworks… and among the deadliest. Did you know that, even if you have blue skies overhead, you could be struck by lightning from a distant storm? If you can even HEAR thunder, you're close enough to be struck by lightning. That's why it is very important that "if you hear a roar, go indoors!" #lightning #lightningstrike #lightningbolt #thunderstorm #beach #nighttimephotography

A post shared by U.S. National Weather Service (@nws) on

As Jensenius explained, according to AccuWeather, “Certainly showers would be dangerous, it would be dangerous to be washing your hands or washing dishes. Just avoid those any time you can hear thunder.”

However, it should be noted that it isn’t just metal pipes that can take a hit. Even plastic pipes aren’t immune since there are plenty of tap water impurities that can also cause electricity to be conducted.

As Jensenius pointed out, water can also be a conductor of electricity. As he further stated, they’ve seen cases in which a house with a puddle of water outside gets struck by lightening – something that makes it possible to get electrocuted.

Of course, if you’re wondering if you could get electrocuted in your own home by lightning, it’s all a matter of how your house is built that will affect the plumbing’s conductivity. As AccuWeather Senior Meteorologist, Dan Kottlowski, explained, when it comes to home building, the construction should conduct electricity downward. Kottlowski pointed out that this would be a bit safer if your plumbing is built downwards.

If you are concerned about your home’s electrical system and whether or not it’s grounded, you should definitely contact a licensed electrician.

Subscribe to 12 Tomatoes