How a Lightning Strike can impact your Home or Business

8/25/2020 (Permalink)

Lightning strike hitting a home

The Dangers of Lightning

During a South Central Illinois thunderstorm, lightning is a serious concern that can affect your home or business; a thunderstorm can easily create worry about a potential lightning strike that can seriously damage your roof, structure and appliances. Along with strong winds and fallen branches damaging the structure, there is also a risk of a lightning fire. Lightning is not a top reason for a structure fire, a lightning strike can affect your home and business causing hidden fires to start.

Risks Concerning a Lightning Strike

If lightning strikes your home or business, you could be faced with the following scenarios:

Fire: Along with a potential lightning strike hitting the roof or attic area, it could lead to decking, attic insulation or other hidden flammable items being caught on fire.

Power Surges: Bolts prefer to travel the fastest route from the sky to the ground. That often means crossing paths with the wiring and plumbing systems in a home. If a power line in the area was hit, it can also result in a surge that may damage appliances. Electronics, including any smart devices associated with the building, can also be severely damaged.

Shock Wave: The thunder boom in the sky can become very destructive as it gets closer. The explosive shock lightning emits can be powerful enough to break windows, crack foundations, or damage bricks and stones.

After a Strike:
If your home or business is hit by lightning, immediately call 911. A lighting fire isn’t always visible at first glance, so it’s best to have the experts verify your home is safe. Once your home or business is deemed safe to enter, you can assess the damage and file an insurance claim. Along with getting the wiring in your home inspected by a certified electrician, it is a good idea to have the structural integrity of the home checked. If there was a fire, contact a SERVPRO specialist at (217) 536-6655 to get your house or business back to “Like it never even happened.”
Although a lightning fire may not be common, lightning strikes are. Staying aware and taking swift action can help limit secondary damage to your home or business.