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Safety Tips When Lightning Strikes

More than 100,000 thunderstorms occur in the U.S. each year, with lightning striking more than 30 million points on the ground. Individuals are relatively safe if they take simple precautions, but your home may not be so lucky. It’s estimated that 6.5% of all property/casualty claims are related to lightning strikes. Consider taking these precautions:

• Make sure your home is grounded, meaning there is an alternative path around the electrical system that is intentionally connected to the earth. A licensed electrician can perform an evaluation.
  
• When a storm is in the air, avoid contact with electrical appliances, avoid water, and stay clear of doors and windows.
  
• Unplug telephones and personal computers from electrical outlets and phone lines during a thunderstorm. Don’t rely on any surge protector to keep such appliances out of harm’s way.
  
• After a strike, get out of the house and immediately call the fire department. After firefighters complete their task, call a qualified electrician to check for frayed wiring and other potential hazards. Your next call is to your insurance agent. Chances are good that your homeowner’s policy will cover lightning strikes and most resulting fire or electrical damage.