Thunderstorms. Entertaining. Fear. ?

Question

I am so scared of thunderstorms, I recently moved to the south. Here, the storms are much more scarier and powerful then up north.

Anyways, recently I've been checking weather channel ALL the time, that way I'll know when it's going to rain and how bad it'll be.

Well, there is a bunch of storms heading my way, [ Fay's fault] and it's 100% that they will come.

Noww. I can't go on the computer or t.v or such, because most likely the power goes out.. That happens alot.

Question1 : Is it a little over obsessive maybe, to check the weather channel alot?

Question2 : What can I do to control my fear? [I don't want to be scared of this forever!]

Question3 : What can I do, when it rains and the lights go out? [Stuff to entertain myself, distract myself, etc.]

Question4 : Is it unsafe to be on the computer, watch t.v, etc when there is lightning outside?

Sorry that this is so long.. I hear the thunder already, just wanna give enough details so I can get good answers.

Oh and I'm 14, I can't drive to a sunny place or something like that..

Answer 1

Question1: No, I don't think it is over obsessive to check the weather channel alot, because as long as it helps you feel in control of your fear, it can't really be a bad thing.

Question2: to control your fear; I think you need to learn as much as possible about how to keep safe during a storm, which is basically what you are doing now, so this is a good start.

Question3: to be honest, I don't really know what to suggest hear. Sorry.

Question4: it isn't unsafe to use your computer or watch TV, but I wouldn't recommend using your computer, because it could easily blow a fuse if it isn't turned off using the "Shut Down" icon. As for the TV, it should be fine.

Other notes: don't have a bath or touch the taps in your house, because there's been cases when people have been bathing or doing the washing up during a thunder/lightning storm, and the lightning has struck plumbing outside of your house, which has then travelled inside via the piping, resulting in an electric shock. Also, don't use your house phone, because there have also been cases where lightning has struck phone-lines from the outside of houses, and like the plumbing, has travelled through the phone-line and struck the person using the phone.

Goodluck.

Answer 2

While lightening is a dangerous natural event, if you are indoors in a building that has a properly installed electrical system, you are about as safe as a person can be.  The reason I say this is because there is risk in every activity.  Risk is part of life.  People slip in the bathtub and die.  People fall down the stairs and die.  People choke to death while eating.  People die in car accidents or as victims of crime or... well you get the point.

Sure, lightening is dangerous but the likelihood that you will ever be in any actual danger is pretty remote.  The chances of you being killed crossing the street or walking down the stairs is probably greater, yet you do not give that a second thought.  So, it is really only a matter of perception.  

Lightening is dangerous but it is also beautiful and pretty exciting to watch.  You just have to temper your fear with the realization that it is very unlikely to injure you.  Let the rational part of your brain stay in control of the more primitive part where the fear exists.  Fear is important to keep us safe.  But it can be debilitating if not controlled by reality.

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Answer 3

I always thought of it as God bowling. he makes such a loud noise lol. and i always loved the smell of the rain. =] we just had a sorm =] and its lovely.,  it can be scary but its over quick..