If It's Thunder......Expect The Lightning!

8/3/2019 (Permalink)

The forecast warns there will be a chance of thunderstorms, but the weather is balmy and slightly cloudy.  As evening draws near, you hear the distant rumbling of thunder and catch a flash of lighting on the horizon.  Recently, a powerful lightning storm rattled the Sussex County region. It lasted several hours as it moved over the county.  Large storms bring added dangers to homeowners.  Strong winds can cause trees and branches to damage your property and home.  Lightning itself can pose a significant fire risk should it make contact with your home.

The morning after the storm, SERVPRO of Sussex County received multiple calls from homeowner’s who had become the victims of storm damage. We were quick to send two technicians out to investigate and assist the homeowners in determine the best course of action.  Upon arrival, we discovered that two homes had been struck by the same bolt of lightning.  It had diverged and started electrical fires in both homes.  The local fire department was quick to respond and put out the fire in the late hours of the night.  As we performed our inspection, it was clear that there was extensive smoke damage to the interior of one of the homes. This was caused by burning wiring, wood, and other building materials.  The remaining fumes and debris posed a serious health risk to the families living there, and we recommended they limit their time in the home until it could be properly restored.

While statistically unlikely to occur, home lightning strikes can cause significant damage to your home.  If you live in an area that regularly experiences strong storms, there are a few things you can do help protect your property. One of the most effective ways for homeowners to do this is by installing a home lightning protection system.  These are items such as:

?  lightning rods

?  main conductors

?  grounds

?  bonds

?  surge protectors

For an additional level of protection, unplug your electronics during electrical storms.  This will prevent any power surges from affecting them.  Lastly, consult with a representative from your homeowners or renter’s insurance company.  Make sure that you are covered and know how to handle a claim when the time comes.  If you have experienced fire damage and are looking for a trustworthy restoration partner to service your home or business, look no further than SERVPRO of Sussex County!