Are cell phones safe to use in a thunderstorm?

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deb_in_nc
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Are cell phones safe to use in a thunderstorm?

#1 Postby deb_in_nc » Sun Jun 15, 2003 8:47 am

Just wondering just in case.

Debbie
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Constructionwx

#2 Postby Constructionwx » Sun Jun 15, 2003 8:50 am

Should be. I know it's OK to use a cordless home phone during one. :)
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#3 Postby Lindaloo » Sun Jun 15, 2003 9:02 am

I believe they are safe to use during a storm. If lightning strikes there are no lines to come through. BUT, I would not risk it.

On a cordless phone, lightning could still strike the main unit. Ever notice during a storm and you are on even a cordless phone you can still hear the popping? Not a good thing.

I also do not have trees next to my home either.
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#4 Postby mf_dolphin » Sun Jun 15, 2003 10:00 am

If you are inside the house a cell phone should be fine. :-)
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#5 Postby deb_in_nc » Sun Jun 15, 2003 7:00 pm

I just sent an e-mail to Motorola to find out for sure.
I'll let you know.

Debbie
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WidreMann

#6 Postby WidreMann » Sun Jun 15, 2003 8:38 pm

Even if it does strike the base, it won't cause a problem for you anymore than it will cause a problem for a picture on the wall. Remember, it isn't "beaming" the information directly to your phone (and even if it were, the lightning would more than likely cause it to cease to operate and it certainly wouldn't be able to "beam" something that would be dangerous to you) but rather broadcasting it, like a radio station. If a radio station gets hit, your car radio doesn't blow up.
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#7 Postby LMolineux » Sun Jun 15, 2003 8:48 pm

Cell phones are safe against lightning but here is a good question? Why would you be outside during lightning? I mean Lightning will follow the least restrictive and easiest path towards ground. What is to say you personally wouldnt be the quickest route that is almost unanswerable. So in turn i think a Cell phone is safe during lighting and storms but i wouldnt risk myself being outside while during an event like that. Making myself a target.
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#8 Postby Colin » Mon Jun 16, 2003 4:17 pm

I think cell phones are pretty safe to use in a car, but I wouldn't risk it either... you never know what could happen!

I'm looking forward to that response from Motorola! ;)
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#9 Postby deb_in_nc » Mon Jun 16, 2003 5:41 pm

That e-mail was a waste of time. They sent me a reply back with links to their FAQ page that had nothing to do with severe wx or T-storms.It said not to reply back to the e-mail because it was a computer generated response. Talk about impersonal. I hate those kind of replies. I guess I'll call them tomorrow.

Debbie
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JetMaxx

#10 Postby JetMaxx » Tue Jun 17, 2003 1:37 pm

Debbie, I've never heard of anyone being struck by lightning while using a cellphone...UNLESS they were doing something else dangerous (playing golf, fishing, etc).

I've made many phone calls to the NWS on both cell and cordless phones during severe storms, and have never worried about the threat of lightning....because the NWS and Skywarn encourages folks to have battery operated radios/ tv's to monitor severe weather on during storms.

Inside your home or vehicle, I don't believe there's any danger. Of far more concern inside are avoiding electrical appliances and tv's...and even the kitchen sink, shower, or bathtub.

There have been lightning injuries and fatalities here in north Georgia in recent years from people washing dishes or taking baths/ showers during storms.
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#11 Postby TexasStooge » Wed Jun 18, 2003 1:38 pm

They are safe in a t-storm, a friend of mine used it during a stormy weather.
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