The Dangers of Lightning

What is lightning? Lightning is the flash of light produced by a discharge of atmospheric electricity
that occurs within clouds, between clouds or between clouds and the ground. The spark can reach over 5 miles in length, raise the temperature of the air by as much as 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, and contain a hundred million electrical volts. The rapid expansion of heated air causes the thunder. Since light travels faster than sound, the thunder is heard after the lightning. If you see successive strokes of lightning in the same place on the horizon then you are in line with the storm, and it may be moving toward you.

Facts & Statistics: More than 200,000 lightning damage claims are filed each year with insurance companies. 1 out of every 200 homes get struck by lightning each year. Lightning starts about 4,400 house fires each year. A bolt of lightning can reach temperatures up to 50,000 degrees, which is 5x hotter than the surface of the sun. The chances of becoming a lightning victim in the U.S. in any one year is 1 in 700,000. The odds of being struck in your lifestyle is 1 in 3,000. Lightning can cause cardiac arrest or even death. Injuries from lightning range from severe burns and permanent brain damage to memory loss and personality change. About 10% of lightning strike victims are killed, and 70% suffer serious long-term effects. About 400 people survive lightning strikes in the U.S. each year. Lightning is not confined to thunderstorms. It's been seen in large hurricanes, extremely intense forest fires, volcanic eruptions, surface nuclear detonations, and in heavy snowstorms.

Safety tips: 

• Lightning rods can help protect a building from catching fire, although, they are not 100% effective, they do not protect against power surges. 
• Do not use the telephone, electrical wires may be hit by lightning. Even using a cellular phone is hazardous because the metal parts can conduct lightning. Most people hurt by lightning while inside their homes are on the telephone. 
• A motor vehicle with a metal top can offer some protection but you should keep your body away from metal inside the vehicle.
• Victims of lightning do not retain the charge and are not "electrified". It is safe to help them.
• Stay away from windows, doors, and stay indoors.
• Do not lie on concrete floors and do not lean against concrete walls.
• If outdoors do not stand underneath or near a tree.
• Whether inside or outside do not be in or near a water source.

Lightning can enter your home in three main ways: (1) direct strike, (2) through wires or pipes that extend outside the structure, and (3) the ground. Once the lightning has entered your home it can travel through the electrical system, phone, plumbing, and radio or television reception systems. Lightning can ruin your electrical system in your home and it can also cause a fire. The fire could very well start within the walls so you may not notice it until it's too late. You should call 911 immediately after your home is struck by lightning. The fire department handles all lightning calls and they are equipped with thermal imaging cameras to locate a possible fire burning in your home. They also will be able to survey the damages and let you and your family know when it is deemed safe to enter again.

What if lightning strikes your home? After you have gotten everyone out safely and the fire department has assessed your home you may be left with damages. A standard homeowners insurance policy should cover damages caused by lightning, including fires and fried electronics. Below are some tips you can use that will help get your home back in order. 

• Keep detailed records of all big ticket purchases such as TVs, laptops and other expensive
  
  electronics. The insurance company will want to see proof of ownership. 
• Report a lightning strike to your agent as soon as possible. 
• Check with your claim representative before you discard any items you plan to claim as damaged. 
• Keep accurate records of how much you spend repairing or replacing items.
• Review your policy for specific coverage information.

Lightning's destruction can be random. In some instances your computer could be fried yet your TV still works. You should check all electrical equipment that was plugged in during the time when the lightning struck to inspect for damage. If lightning causes a fire in your home you will need a professional to restore your home. Call PRS of Tampa Bay, Inc. at 727-NO-WATER. They have the technology, the experience, and are available 24/7. PRS is equipped to handle fire and smoke damage as well as any other disaster your home may encounter.