When Lightning Strikes a Home
It is usually an indirect strike such as hitting a tree or pole nearby and traveling through the ground and into the electrical wires into the home. And don't be fooled, indirect strikes account for about 60% of lightning strikes and typically cause just as much if not more damage as direct strikes do.
More than 100,000 thunderstorms occur each year in the U.S., with lightning striking more than 30 million points on the ground during that same period. The chances of a U.S. home being struck by lightning is one in two hundred, and the insurance industry estimates 6.5% of all property/casualty claims are related to lightning strikes.
What is the Risk?
In addition to trees literally being blown apart, and brick and stone chimneys reduced to rubble, there is a risk of fire and electric appliance damage as well. It is also possible if an electrical appliance is being used at the time the lightning strikes that harm can come to the person using the appliance.
What to do When Lightning Strikes
If lightning strikes, the first thing to do is assess if there is any potential for a fire. A typical bolt of lightning can result in heat of up to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. Make sure to check the attic and basement. If there is any doubt at all about the possibility of a fire, call the fire department and vacate the house immediately. The next step is to call the insurance company and find out what is covered and what is needed to submit a claim. For example, if a tree is struck in a yard and it doesn't cause any outside damage, insurance will rarely pay for the removal of the tree.
Then it's time to call an electrician. Even if there is no apparent damage it's better to be safe than sorry. Strange things can start to happen once a house has been hit by lightning. Burners going out on stoves, appliances stop working altogether, lights will start to flicker and some outlets may not work anymore. Have the electrician check the entire house including all appliances, wall sockets, outside receptacles and attic fans.
Protect the Home Before Lightning Strikes
So what can be done to protect the home before lightning strikes? Experts recommend installing a whole house surge protector or a lightning rod. A whole house surge protection system is designed to stop surges from entering the wiring in a house. If a surge is detected, the surge protector diverts the excess voltage to a ground wire. A lightning rod on the other hand is designed to direct the current away from the house by first discharging the air around them and then channeling the current to the ground.
It's better to take precautions before lightning strikes rather than deal with the ramifications afterwards because no matter what Mom says, the chances of lightning striking are much greater than winning the lottery.
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