Prevent Fire Caused by Lightning

9/20/2022 (Permalink)

If you are dealing with smoke or fire damage from a recent fire, call SERVPRO of NW & SE Dutchess County to learn about a restoration solution for you

Prevent A Fire In Dutchess Caused by Lightning

You know it is essential to prepare fire safety supplies and a fire emergency plan to protect your loved ones, but even a well-practiced plan could be changed by the weather immediately.

Lightning was the source of close to 70,000 damage claims during 2020, and it strikes nearly 6,000 times every minute all around the world. Protecting your Dutchess home from fire damage is a must when the risks are so high, and no one is immune.

What Is Lightning?

When an electrical current between the ground and the clouds in the sky forms, it creates a giant spark called lightning. Lightning happens during thunderstorms and occasionally during volcanic eruptions, extremely hot forest fires, and heavy rounds of snow.

Lightning threatens during more than just severe weather as well. Dry lightning is an event that occurs without rain and creates a risky scenario since it can start a wildfire. Different threats happen at other times of the year, making it wise to stay prepared for strikes all the time.

Protecting Your Home From Lightning Fires

Lightning has the potential to start a fire and do a substantial amount of damage when it strikes. A fire that originates from lightning most often begins in the attic or upper walls and starts either because of the extreme heat or an electrical surge that results from the strike passing through your home.

You may not know a fire has started right after a strike, but you should hear the strike hit your home. If a loud boom seems to shake the windows, look at the walls and check your attic for black marks and the smell of smoke. Give the fire department a call, and after all, is cleared, let an electrician check your electric panel and wiring.

To give your home a layer of protection, consider adding a lightning rod to your roof. This device will take the shock of a strike and divert both the heat and the electrical current into the ground instead of into your home.

A surge protector for your entire house can also reduce the risk of a surge that results from a strike. This can be added to your central electric unit and offers a significant layer of protection for your electrical appliances and aid in preventing fires.

When Lightning Strikes Nearby

Each year, an average of 9,000 wildfires are caused by lightning, and with the high heat that a strike carries, these fires often are a threat to broad areas as they burn hot and quickly.

Protect your home by keeping your yard clear of dry vegetation and debris. Think about creating defensible zones with your landscaping, too. This can keep the fire away from structures if one does start.

Make sure there is a working smoke detector near every sleeping area and every level of your house so you can move to safety no matter where you are.

If your home is damaged during a lightning strike or a resulting fire, call SERVPRO 24⁄7. We have the experience, equipment, and training to finish your recovery quickly.

Have you experienced smoke or fire damage in your home? Call SERVPRO of NW & SE Dutchess County today at (845) 635-4550 to get the restoration finished fast.