What Happens When Lightning Strikes Your Home

7/19/2019 (Permalink)

Lightning is a part of nature and beyond your control

What Happens When Lightning Strikes Your Home

Between 2007 and 2011, the National Fire Protection Association estimates that U.S. local fire departments responded to an average of 22,600 house fires caused by lightning. During these years, lightning fire caused an estimated $451 million in direct property damage. Only about 18% of these fires occurred in homes but this accounted for 70% of the total property damage. There is always a chance that when a storm comes through your area, damage to your home can result. Effects of a strike could cause both a power surge and fire.

Power Surge

A power surge from a lightning strike occurs when the energy courses through the home’s wiring system. The upwelling of force can also affect the plumbing. The current runs throughout the house causing damage to electronics such as TVs, computers and possibly your alarm and Wi-Fi systems.

Fire

A lightning fire is a definite possibility. The strike will usually pass through the roof and into the attic causing the insulation and the structure to burst into flames. There is also a chance that a power surge going through the wiring in your walls can cause a spark which will turn to fire. If you see fire or smell smoke, leave the house immediately. Call 911 and let the fire department in Overland Park, KS, do a check of the property.
Lightning is a part of nature and beyond your control. However, protecting your home and your family from a lightning fire is doable. As a preventive measure, when a storm rolls through, protect your valuable electronics by unplugging everything which could be affected. Also, you can use lightning rods as a means of shielding the home. The rod is attached to the highest point of the house and conducting wire leads from the rod to the ground directing the hit away from the structure. Although you cannot totally prevent a lightning fire from occurring, be proactive in speaking with a fire restoration specialist.