Whenever there was a big rain or thunderstorm, I remember my grandparents would have us grandkids turn off or unplug any and everything. I remember all of us gathered in the living room in pitch darkness with only the light coming from the lightning that would flash across the blinds. No one was allowed to speak or utter a word. We all sat there, children on the floor huddled in a circle and adults in their chairs in total silence.