Lightning Safety Tips

Prism Specialties

August 31st, 2023

Guide to Lightning Safety Tips Just like any weather phenomenon or natural disaster, lightning storms create dangerous conditions and result in injuries and property damage each year. According to data from the National Fire Protection Association, between 2007-2011, an average of 22,600 fires per year were started by lightning. These fires resulted in an average […]

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Guide to Lightning Safety Tips

Just like any weather phenomenon or natural disaster, lightning storms create dangerous conditions and result in injuries and property damage each year. According to data from the National Fire Protection Association, between 2007-2011, an average of 22,600 fires per year were started by lightning. These fires resulted in an average of $451 million in direct property damage each year.

That’s why preparing and knowing what to do during lightning storms is important. Learn more about lightning safety and what can be done to protect yourself, others, and homes or businesses from lightning strikes.

How to Stay Safe from Lightning

Lightning Dos and Don’ts

Do:

Follow the 30/30 lightning rule: Move indoors if you’re unable to count to 30 between thunderclaps and stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder is heard.
Continue monitoring local weather reports.
Close windows and doors.
Check that all pets are safely indoors.

Don’t:

Use electrical tools or equipment.
Come into contact with metal, concrete, or water.
Stand in open structures or spaces like porches, gazebos, parks, etc.
Take shelter under trees or metal structures.

Lightning Safety Tips Outdoors

If you’re stuck outside during a lightning storm, follow these lightning precautions to stay protected:

Find a safe spot to shelter in place; avoid trees, bodies of water, concrete, metal conductors, and high ground.
Find a vehicle to shelter in if an enclosed building isn’t available nearby.
Stay in place for at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder is heard.
Crouch low to the ground in a ball position if there’s no shelter nearby.

Lightning Safety Tips Indoors

The safest place during lightning storms is inside. Keep safe indoors with these tips:

Avoid using any electrical equipment.
Avoid direct contact with water from plumbing like sinks, showers, or baths.
Keep away from windows, doors, or porches.
Stay away from concrete surfaces.

Can a House Catch on Fire from Lightning?

Yes. Whether it’s from direct contact through a roof or attic or a power surge into the home, a house can quickly catch fire from a lightning strike. Because lightning can reach up to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, a direct strike can instantly ignite flammable material in your home’s exterior. Even if lightning strikes miles away, it can travel through electrical lines and start a fire through any electronics in the home.

This is why many homeowners and business owners choose to install lightning rods or lightning protection systems to mitigate that damage and prevent fires.

Related Content: Storm Safety Tips for Protecting Electronics

How Do Lightning Rods Work?

Lightning rods are installed at the tops of homes or buildings and are designed to intercept a lightning strike, then redirect it away from the home. These rods are made of metal and have a connecting wire that travels down to an underground rod. This way, instead of a direct lightning strike traveling through the home, it will hit the rod and the current will be diverted into the ground.

What to Do When Lightning Strikes

If lighting hits the home or building structure you are in:

Check to see if anyone is hurt. Call 911 if so.
Inspect the structure for signs of fire: smoke, charred electrical outlets, or the smell of something burning.
If a fire is found, put it out (if possible) and call 911.
If no fire is found, check for any other damage that could result in injury (e.g., broken glass, fallen trees, a hole in the roof, downed power lines).
Document any damaged electronics or items around the home and call a local restoration specialist for services.

If lightning strikes someone:

Call 911.
Continuously check in on the victim until help arrives. Look for bleeding, broken bones, loss of hearing and sight, and injury marks where the strike hit.
If the area where they’re located is a high risk, carefully move them to a safe location.
Administer first aid (if possible) as needed and inform medics of any additional injuries or concerns when they arrive.

How to Prevent Lightning Strikes

Unfortunately, lightning strikes cannot be fully prevented. However, there are some steps to take to reduce damage and prepare a business or home during a lightning storm.

First, follow the safety tips listed above, then follow these tips ahead of incoming storms:

Unplug small electronics (computers, TVs, gaming systems, chargers, small appliances, etc.,) and avoid using any large appliances.
Install a lightning rod.
Install a whole-home surge protector.
Schedule regular electrical inspections.
Have a professional trim any nearby trees that are a safety hazard.
Review and update any home or business insurance coverage plans.

Related Content: Top 10 Homeowners Insurance Claim Tips

Recover from Fire Damage with Electronics Restoration Services

Lightning can strike at any time, and often results in damage to electronics. If a lightning-caused fire affects a home or business, Prism Specialties can help. We provide fire restoration services for electronics, textiles, art, and documents. Call (888) 826-9429 or submit a claim online to get started.