Is it safe to be on a cellphone indoors during a thunderstorm?

Question

I know it's potentially unsafe outside but what makes indoors OK or not OK?

Answer 1

It safe because there is no direct path between you and the lightning. So it OK.

Answer 2

high powered radio transmissions can discharge electrostatic energies, this is why they tell you not to use a phone while getting fuel for your car.
so, outside there may be an increased risk of using (or having your phone turned on without using it )
but inside it should not matter, because the building should have already discharged any electrostatic energy just by being there.
cell phones really are quite low power so it should really not make much difference wherever you are, in the past I have tried to get a cell phone (0.4 watts) to initiate a simulated lightning strike, but could not get it to do it, but a big transmitter, (50 watts) seems to work just fine as a trigger.

remember the safety rule for lightning, draw a 45 degree cone that is pointed down around all the tall things (buildings, trees, light poles, ect. ) and if you are inside one of the cones, you are fine, if you are outside one, then you are not fine.

please email me if I was not clear enough.

Answer 3

Because you aren't connected to any kind of wire, I think you just as safe as if you wern't using it. I think even out doors it wouldn't make any difference, as the lightning isn't going to follow the radio waves from the phone like it might down a wire.

Answer 4

Yes it is safe anywhere to be on a cell phone but don't drive while you use one.