Avoid using electronic devices of any kind. Lightning can penetrate electrical equipment as well as radio and television receiving equipment. Avoid landline phones. … However, cordless or cell phones are safe to use during a storm.
Do you really have to unplug your electronics during a thunderstorm?
According to the Department of Homeland Security, you should unplug all of your devices. This is because lightning striking near a local utility pole can cause an electrical surge through power lines. … In many other parts of the world, devices that plug in for power draw up to 240 volts.
Should I turn off the television during a thunderstorm?
Turn off, unplug, and stay away from appliances, computers, power tools, and televisions. Lightning can strike external power and telephone lines and shake internal equipment. 4. STOP ACTIVITIES for 30 minutes after the last sighted thunder or lightning.
Is it harmful to use electronics during a thunderstorm?
Avoid using electronic devices of any kind. Lightning can penetrate electrical equipment as well as radio and television receiving equipment. Avoid landline phones. Corded phones are NOT safe to use during a thunderstorm.
Should devices be turned off during a thunderstorm?
Anything in your home that is plugged into an outlet can be damaged by electrical surges during a thunderstorm. If a thunderstorm is forecast, unplug your computer, laptop, and other devices and consider unplugging appliances.
Should I turn off electronic devices during a thunderstorm?
When a thunderstorm hits your area, the first thing to do is unplug your computer or you risk losing everything. Lightning strikes can cause surges that discharge home computers and monitors, rendering them utterly useless.
Should I turn off the TV during a thunderstorm in the UK?
Unplug all non-essential devices, including the TV, as lightning can cause power surges. Take cover when you hear thunder, you are already within range where the next ground lightning could occur. Lightning can strike up to 10 miles from the center of a storm.
Does lightning affect television?
If lightning enters the home through wires or communication cables (e.g. for the Internet, cable TV or telephone) it can cause serious damage to electronic equipment that is not properly connected to a protection point surge protector.
Why do we turn off the TV when there’s lightning?
Why should the television be switched off during a thunderstorm? Lightning can penetrate overhead power lines, either from a direct strike or from surges caused by nearby strikes. Turning the TV off during these times isolates the electronics somewhat from the TV.
Do you really have to unplug your electronics during a thunderstorm?
According to the Department of Homeland Security, you should unplug all of your devices. This is because lightning striking near a local utility pole can cause an electrical surge through power lines. … In many other parts of the world, devices that plug in for power draw up to 240 volts. 1
Is it safe to turn on the TV during a thunderstorm?
It’s not dangerous to watch TV during a thunderstorm, but a TV’s electronics are vulnerable. If you need to make calls, use an unplugged cell phone rather than a landline. Surges caused by a lightning strike can follow electrical conductors into the handset.
Is it safe to use a smartphone during a thunderstorm?
As long as you follow these procedures, it’s safe to use a cellular or cordless phone indoors. However, a cell phone or cordless phone should not be used outdoors during a thunderstorm, as holding objects with metal parts increases the risk of being struck by lightning.