Does being prone to static shocks make me more susceptible to being struck by lightning?

Question

I am very prone to having the crap shocked out of me many times throughout the day. I always have to ground myself before getting out of my car and in the house I can just feel the static build-up inside of me. I just know when I touch the fridge or the dvd player that I'm going to get zapped. Sometimes I get shocked so hard I feel like I was electrocuted. I'm wondering if I am more susceptible than the average person to getting struck by lightning? I feel like I am, and I often think of that dude with the "Neo-skunk" hairdo from the Great Outdoors, that was struck 66 times. Anyways, please feel free to leave any feedback or comments. My daughters are also very prone to static shocks as well. Just wondering if it is something to be concerned about.

Answer 1

Nah. Just stay out of the middle of lakes in thunderstorms. Also bald rock peaks. Also parts of Missouri, where it has been known to blow up air-conditioners. Other than that, you are safe but leading an interesting life.

Answer 2

When I was younger, I used to get static shocks all the time. I realized after several people pointed it out to me that I tended to shuffle my feet and scrape them on carpet or other surfaces a lot. This causes static buildup, and I would often feel shocks when I touched something metal or another person. Maybe your daughter imitates your mode of motion and both of you tend to build up static this way? Something to think about I suppose. Also if you're on carpet a lot there would be more of a tendency to build static. Normally, human skin has a high electrical resistance, but if you have a voltmeter you can measure the resistance by holding both leads. I can't remember exactly how high it is supposed to be, but it is pretty high. There shouldn't be a voltage registered when you do this in voltage mode.

Answer 3

I don't think so - lightning has to discharge much more than you put out.

That said, you should look at what you wear. A lot of wool, or other furry/fuzzy stuff? Those will let static charges build.