Why should you avoid showering, washing dishes, and doing laundry during a thunderstorm?

plumbing systems. The safest approach is to postpone activities involving water until the thunderstorm has passed.

Electrical appliances also require caution. Avoid using devices connected to electrical outlets, as lightning can send dangerous surges through wiring. Corded telephones should likewise be avoided. Cell phones and other wireless devices are generally safe to use during a storm, provided they are not connected to a charger.

Lightning is extraordinarily powerful. According to the National Weather Service, a lightning strike can heat

in miles. For example, a five-second interval suggests lightning is approximately one mile away. However, this calculation should never be used