Is it safe to use your mobile phone during a storm?
One of the greatest dangers during stormy weather is lightning, which often accompanies heavy rainfall. Many people assume that only those outdoors are at risk of being struck by lightning, but in rare cases, individuals have been injured or even killed by lightning strikes while indoors.
For instance, a man in the United States was killed in his home during a storm in 2017. Investigations revealed that lightning had traveled through the metal structures of the house and conducted through the metal tools the man was using, resulting in his death.
Is it safe to use your mobile phone during a storm?
When it comes to phone use, it is commonly believed that using a landline phone during a storm is unsafe. This is accurate, as lightning can travel through phone lines connected to the outside. But what about mobile phones? Are they any safer?
According to John Jensenius, a lightning safety specialist at the National Weather Service in the United States, there is no evidence that mobile phones attract lightning. Even if you are carrying a mobile phone and are struck by lightning, the device will only be affected by the heat generated, but it is not the primary cause of lightning strikes.
Jensenius emphasizes that no device “attracts” lightning, but it typically travels along power lines, fences, or similar structures. Therefore, using a mobile phone does not increase your risk of being struck by lightning. The most important factor is ensuring you are in a safe location, regardless of whether you are using a phone or not.
Dan Kottlowski, a meteorologist at AccuWeather, concurs that taking shelter is the most crucial aspect. If you are near transmission towers, your risk of being struck by lightning increases. Therefore, it is advisable to avoid open areas and seek shelter in a car or building. Stay away from metal structures or electronic devices that are plugged in.
Jensenius warns that all devices plugged into power sources are hazardous during storms, including mobile phones or laptops that are charging. So, if you are using your mobile phone during a storm, ensure it is not plugged into a charger.
Can storms damage electronic devices?
During storms, we often hear advice to unplug electronic devices to prevent damage from power surges caused by lightning. Is this necessary?
When lightning strikes power poles close to homes, it can create a power surge, causing a sudden increase in voltage on electrical lines. This voltage can reach millions of volts, far exceeding the capacity of household electronic devices, leading to potential damage or fire hazards.
However, it is important to note that unplugging devices during a lightning strike can be dangerous, as you may experience an electric shock from the sudden voltage increase. Therefore, the best practice is to unplug devices before the storm reaches your area.
In conclusion, using a mobile phone during a storm is not a significant concern, as long as you are not outdoors or near conductive objects. The priority is to seek safe shelter and avoid high-risk areas, such as standing under trees, power poles, or near plugged-in electronic devices.
