Can you use a landline phone during a thunderstorm?

Using landline phones during a thunderstorm is not safe, and it is best to avoid doing so whenever possible. Lightning can travel through electrical wires and phone lines, and a landline phone can provide a direct pathway for lightning to enter your home.

Even if you are not on the phone during a thunderstorm, it is still possible for a lightning strike to damage your landline phone and any connected devices, such as modems and routers. In addition, the electrical surge caused by a lightning strike can damage other electronic devices in your home.

If you need to make a call during a thunderstorm, it is best to use a mobile phone or a VoIP (voice over internet protocol) service, as these are not connected to a landline and are less likely to be affected by lightning strikes. If you must use a landline phone during a thunderstorm, make sure to unplug it from the wall and disconnect any connected devices.