Tips For Homeowners After A Lightning Strike
Hey there! Let me help you understand what to do after lightning strikes your home. It’s actually a bigger deal than most people realize – in 2018, insurance companies paid out $909 million for lightning damage across 78,000 claims.
These days, with all our fancy electronics and smart home gear, repairs are getting more expensive. Knowing how lightning affects your Gainesville, FL home and what you need to do after lightning strikes is important.
Understanding How Lightning Strikes Impact Homes
Lightning’s sneaky – it doesn’t need to hit your house directly to cause trouble.
1. Lightning’s Entry Points
Lightning doesn’t need a direct path to cause damage. It can enter your home through various routes, such as pipes, wiring, or even the ground near your foundation. Direct hits are the most destructive; nearby strikes also pose a significant risk by sending surges through electrical systems. Outdoor receptacles, cable lines, and even tree roots can become pathways for lightning to reach your home, often leading to hidden damage.
2. Damage Inside the Home
Once inside your house, lightning’s effects are far-reaching. Power surges can ignite fires in hidden wiring, making the damage both dangerous and expensive to address. Electrical sockets, switches, and fixtures are common casualties. High-value electronics and appliances are particularly vulnerable, as surges often causes damages that cannot be repaired. Wiring hidden behind walls is another major concern; identifying and repairing these issues can be invasive and costly. Lightning damage isn’t always immediately visible, so thorough inspections by a professional from Mister Sparky are crucial after lightning strikes.
Tips for Protecting Your Home
Want to protect your home?
Here are some smart moves:
- Surge Protectors: Get surge protectors, but not just any kind. You’ll want them for all your connections – including internet and cable lines. Even better, consider installing whole-house surge protection at your circuit panel. It’s like a bouncer for power surges, but remember it can’t catch everything.
- Unplug Devices: The old-school method still works best – unplug your stuff during storms. Check iweathernet.com to track incoming storms so you’re not caught off guard.
Vulnerable Home Systems and Appliances
1. Smart Home Technology
Smart homes are particularly at risk during lightning strikes. Integrated systems mean a single surge can cause widespread damage. Devices such as smart thermostats, security cameras, and lighting systems are highly sensitive to voltage fluctuations, making them especially vulnerable.
2. Large Appliances
Modern appliances, including refrigerators, washers, and dryers, are more susceptible to lightning damage due to embedded control boards. Other systems like electric vehicles, HVAC units, garage door openers, and sprinkler systems are also at risk. The cost of repairing or replacing these items adds up quickly, further emphasizing the need for protective measures.
What to Do After Lightning Strikes
If lightning does strike:
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- Call your insurance company first – most policies cover damage caused by a lightning strike.
- Don’t try to fix electrical issues yourself (seriously, don’t) – get a licensed electrician from Mister Sparky to check things out for you.
Lightning strikes are a serious threat to homes, but preparation and quick action can make a big difference. Installing surge protectors, investing in whole-house SPDs, and unplugging devices during storms are practical ways to reduce the risk of damage. If your home is struck, contacting your insurance provider and hiring a licensed electrician are important first steps and should be done immediately after lightning strikes. Protecting your home from lightning is an investment that pays off, sparing you from costly repairs and ensuring the safety of your property.
Contact the pros at Mister Sparky to discuss installing whole house surge protectors. Now is a good time to schedule a lightning strike evaluation. Mister Sparky techs can provide insights for protecting your home from damage from lightning strikes.