Prevent Lightning Damage

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• What is lightning?
• How can I prepare for lightning?
• What should we do during a lightning storm?
• What should I do after lightning strikes my home?
• Is lightning damage covered under my homeowners insurance policy?

What is lightning?

Lightning is the discharge of electricity between two clouds, within a cloud or between a cloud and the earth. Lightning that strikes from a cloud to the earth is the most dangerous form of lightening as it can cause a tremendous amount of property damage and sometimes death. Lightning can occur anytime but is most common during the warm summer months. According to the National Weather Service, about 62 people are killed each year due to lightning strikes.

How can I prepare my home and family for a lightning storm?

A lightning protection system that complies with nationally recognized codes can be a huge asset in the event that a lightning bolt strikes your home. Lightning protection systems consist of a lightning rod that is connected to heavy grounding cables. When and if lightning strikes your home, the bolt will most likely strike the lightning rod which will send the electrical charge through the cables and safely into the ground avoiding your home. Surge arresters and surge suppressors are also a great way to avoid damage to your electrical equipment (computers, televisions) and utility equipment (phones).

What should we do during a lightning storm?

Stay indoors during a lightning storm and away from electrical equipments and telephones as well as any source of water. Stay away from windows and doors. If you are outdoors, remove any metal and crouch as low to the ground as possible with as little ground contact as possible.

What should I do after a lightning storm?

After a lightning storm has passed, be sure to check your home for damage including electrical equipment and outlets. Watch for broken power lines and any other structural damage.

Is lightning damage covered under my homeowners insurance policy?

Under a standard homeowners policy you will typically have overage for lightning damage. Call your homeowners insurance agent or refer to your policy if you have questions about your specific coverage.

FREE Home Inventory Checklist- Download a free home inventory checklist and start documenting your home’s contents. In the event of a natural disaster, your home inventory will help speed up your claims process by providing documentation of what you lost.