In tornado weather, what exactly do they mean when they say not to use any plumbing facilities in your home?

Question

If its lightning and storming outside, the weathermen always say not to use any plumbing fixtures, what do they mean exactly? I can assume they mean not to take a bath, but is anything else dangerous and why? What would happen?

Answer 1

It is the lightning that needs to be cautious of. Any lighting hitting near or the house itself can cause a surge through water pipes due to water being a good conductor of electricity. So, if you are in the tub or shower, washing dishes, with part of your body in contact with either the metal fixture or the water, you can get severely jolted.

It is wise to just avoid water and the water fixtures why lightning is nearby.