With the severe weather lately, I was reminded of my mother’s insistence that nobody talk on the telephone during a thunderstorm, as that person could be electrocuted. As kids, we filed this one with the “don’t cross your eyes or they will stay that way” threat. But, apparently, Mom was right on the telephone rule, at least with corded, landline phones, as lightning really can travel through the phone lines.

About 300 people in the United State are struck by lightning every year, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Yes, the vast majority survive, but one in 10 don’t. To avoid being one of the 30 who perish, you might want to heed my mother’s thunderstorm warning, as well as others I found from America’s most trusted source, Bob Vila.

Do not take a bath or a shower during a thunderstorm. “If lightning strikes near you, electrical currents could travel through the pipes in your home, putting you at risk of electrocution.” Yikes. I guess I will need to find somewhere other than the shower to sing during a thunderstorm.

Don’t wash the dishes. “You shouldn’t wash dishes during a thunderstorm for the same reason you shouldn’t bathe during a thunderstorm: Lightning can travel through pipes, electrify your faucet, and cause injury. The dishes can wait.” You don't have to tell me twice on this one, Bob.

Don't leave your tech devices plugged into outlets. “If an electrical storm has been forecast, unplug your computer, laptop, and other devices, and consider unplugging appliances. At the very least, plug appliances into a surge protector if they aren’t already, but understand the surge protector probably can’t stand up to a lightning strike nearby.” I used to unplug my stereo each time we had a storm, but I have not done that in years. If I lose my current stereo now, it isn’t that big of a deal. But, at age 15, I had my life savings invested in my Pioneer receiver, dual cassette deck and equalizer. The greater loss today would be my computer, and Bob’s advice has me thinking I need to unplug that more often.

Don’t do laundry. “Your washer and dryer are plugged into the wall, which is the first strike against them. The second strike is that they are metal, so lightning can run through them the same way it can your toaster or blow dryer.” This is just one more reason to never trust the washing machine.

If you find this stuff interesting, be sure to check out all 15 things you should never do in a thunderstorm and let me know what other activities you avoid when lightning strikes.

Have a wonderful Wednesday, and thanks for reading.

Shane Goodman
President and Publisher
Big Green Umbrella Media
shane@dmcityview.com
515-953-4822, ext. 305
www.thedailyumbrella.com

See Shane Goodman's previous columns here.

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Wiz
One of the most beloved stories to hit the stage is L. Frank Baum’s adaptation of his initial Oz book, “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz,” published in 1900. This story was first produced on stage in 1902 and ran on Broadway for 293 stage nights. This story was very different from the version popularized 36 years later in the landmark 1939 MGM cinematic version that shot its star, Judy Garland, to instant fame. Baum was a prolific, if not controversial, writer of his day, creating 14 Oz books and more than 400 other works.

[...]

CITYVIEW's seasonal guide for activities and things to do in Central Iowa

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Enjoy art, music, 5K and more at Centennial Park, July 19-20

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One of Waukee’s favorite annual events is back for its ninth year. The Waukee Arts Festival returns July 19-20 at Centennial Park in Waukee.

This year’s free event is the biggest yet as 120 artists will display their works. Last year, approximately 8,500 folks visited the festival during the two-day event. Jenn Hoffmann, board president for the Waukee Area Arts Council, hopes to draw 10,000 visitors this year.

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SUBMIT: Send your birthday greetings and congratulatory notes to: tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

The answer to yesterday's riddle:

What did burglars steal from the music store? THE LUTE (LOOT)! -Gail Tomlinson. ALL THE QUARTER NOTES! - William Snyder. Or, A KEY! - Rex Post

Today's riddle

What’s a breakfast’s favorite Elton John Song?

Have a guess? Email tammy@iowalivingmagazines.com

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Jolene Goodman
Vice President
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