Do you think you know electricity? Can you get all of these true or false questions correct?

 

You can’t touch someone who’s been struck by lightning. 

FALSE. They won’t carry a charge. It’s important for you to call 911 and get help immediately.

 

It’s safe to shower during a thunderstorm. 

FALSE. Lightning can travel through pipes! Skip the shower and anything else that involves pipes or electrical wiring until the storm passes.

 

You shouldn’t use your phone during a thunderstorm. 

FALSE. Cell phones are typically safe unless they’re charging. Avoid corded phones altogether.

 

A power line on the ground is safe to drive, walk over or around. 

FALSE. Always assume it’s a live line and stay at least 10 feet away and call for help.

 

Static electricity can be thousands of volts. 

TRUE. It can pack up to 25,000 volts of electricity! It typically has a low current and is harmless, unless flammable materials are nearby.

 

It’s not safe to pump gas during a thunderstorm. 

TRUE. Lightning can strike the canopy or cause ground surges, even at a grounded gas station. 

 

Lightning never strikes the same place twice. 

FALSE. It absolutely can, and does strike in the same place more than once. 

 

Birds are electrocuted when sitting on power lines.

FALSE. As long as the birds only touch one wire, they’re safe. If they touch another wire or a grounded path, they will be electrocuted! 

 

Water is a good conductor of electricity. 

Mostly true! Pure water isn’t a good conductor, but water with minerals, like tap or lake water, conducts electricity! 

 

An outlet only operates with 120 volts of electricity, so I’ll be safe if I’m shocked. 

FALSE. Even 50 volts of electricity can be dangerous and even deadly. It’s not just voltage that matters, it’s the current and path that matter. The severity of an electric shock depends on factors like current flow  and the duration of exposure.