How a Lightning Strike Can Affect your Home

2/16/2022 (Permalink)

What Can A Lightning Strike Do To Your House?

If you live in Franklin, NC, you may be wondering if it’s possible for a lighting fire to strike your home. While this force of nature may seem alarming, the odds of having your home struck is roughly 1 in 200.

Facts to Know About Lighting

Understanding this force of nature can help you know the risks to your home.

• Most strikes occur outdoors in open areas
• A strike always takes the path of least resistance to the ground
• A lightning rod can provide a straight path and help protect your home
• Only 18 percent of strike related fires were house fires
• Most strike related fires start in the attic or around electrical wiring
• A strike may result in power surges

What to Do if Your Home is Struck

If your home is hit during a storm it’s best to call the fire department regardless of if you see a lighting fire. Tell them your home was hit by lightning so they can send someone to inspect it and look for any signs of damage or possible fire. They will tell you if the house is safe. Afterwards you can call your insurance and have a licensed electrician look over the building’s wiring.

What Should be Done if a Fire Occurs

In the event your home is struck resulting in a house fire, it’s important to get everyone out as quickly and safely as possible and call the fire department. Once the fire is out you should contact your insurance company and any fire damage restoration services they may recommend. These professionals can conduct any clean up and repairs that may be needed, and the cost is usually covered under most homeowner's insurance policies.

A lighting fire can be just as damaging as any other kind. Fortunately, precautions like a lightning rod may help. If your home is hit it’s important to call the fire department for an assessment regardless of if you have an obvious fire. Afterwards you can make any repairs necessary to the home.