How to Protect Your Home From Lightning Strikes

Every summer, the threat of lightning looms large over homeowners across the country. While lightning is a natural force that cannot be completely avoided, there are steps you can take to protect your home from damage caused by a strike. Five Star Claims Adjusting has recently released some tips on how to keep your family and property safe from lightning-related incidents. Let’s explore further.

Lightning Safety Tips: Outside Your Home

It’s best to avoid going outdoors if it looks like a storm is brewing; however, if you must go outside during a storm, follow these tips for safety:

• Avoid open areas like fields or hilltops; denser forests provide more protection.  
• Avoid water bodies like lakes and ponds during storms; get off boats or swimming pools as soon as possible.  
• If caught in an open area, crouch down with your feet together and your head low.
• Do not lie flat on the ground.  
• Don’t stand near tall objects like trees or poles; seek shelter in buildings instead whenever possible.  
• Additionally, make sure any outdoor structures such as patios and decks are properly grounded with metal rods driven into the ground away from any foundation walls or footings. This will help divert energy away from your home in case of a lightning strike nearby.
• If you have any outdoor electronics such as satellite dishes, antennae, etc., unplug them before the storm begins so that they won’t be damaged by an electrical surge from a strike nearby. Additionally, purchase surge protectors for all indoor electronics to prevent damage in case of a direct hit on your home.

Lightning Safety Tips: Inside Your Home

• Once you get indoors during a storm, stay away from windows and doors because they can shatter due to pressure changes caused by strikes nearby.
• Avoid using electric appliances such as hair dryers or vacuum cleaners during a storm since these can act as conductors for electricity if there is a strike nearby.  
• Avoid activities that require contact with plumbing fixtures like baths or sinks since metal pipes can act as conductors for electricity if there is a strike nearby;
• Use battery-operated devices instead during storms whenever possible.  
• Unplug electronic devices not being used so they won't be damaged by power surges caused by strikes nearby; use power strips with built-in surge protectors whenever possible to protect multiple devices at once.

Five Star Claims Adjusting has issued important guidelines regarding how homeowners can protect their families and property against lightning strikes—from avoiding open areas outdoors to unplugging electronics indoors—but it's important to remember that no amount of preparation will guarantee complete safety when it comes to Mother Nature's forces of nature! In any case, following these suggestions can help minimize potential risks associated with lightning strikes in your area this summer season!

Need assistance on your property lightning damage claims? Contact Five Star Claims Adjusting and let us ensure your Maximum Recovery today.