Old Wive's Tales
- Many old wives tales warn of things you should or must do when it starts to rain and storm. One popular old wive's tale says you shouldn't bathe or wash dishes in a thunderstorm or you run the risk of getting shocked by lightning. One other old wive's tale says that you should turn off all of the televisions in your home, while another advises to turn off all electricity, period, and sit in the dark. Yet another recommends leaving an air conditioner on during a thunderstorm.
The Reality
- The National Disaster Education Coalition suggests that you turn off your air conditioner during a thunderstorm. The air conditioner uses a significant amount of energy in the home and can trigger a power outage during a storm. Also, many air-conditioning units protrude from the home to the outside or sit outside, so electrical components could short due to the rain and lightning.
Suggestions
- Watch weather forecasts to estimate when a thunderstorm is expected to hit your area. If possible, pull the air conditioner out of the window until the storm has passed. If it is a central unit located outdoors, place a cover over the unit. You can also simply place a cover over the protruding part of a window air conditioner. Rain water can corrode the metal and inner coils of the machine over time.
Ways to Keep Cool
- If it is very hot during the thunderstorm, you'll have to explore other cooling options. Turn on a few house fans until the storm passes. You can crack a few windows slightly to let some ventilation into the house. If you have a lower floor or basement, go there until the storm is over. Because heat rises, lower levels will stay cooler than upstairs rooms.
