Lightning Safety Tips

8/27/2022 (Permalink)

Protecting your home in Shamokin, PA, from fire requires a certain amount of vigilance.

Protect Your Home From Lightning Fire

Protecting your home in Shamokin, PA, from fire requires a certain amount of vigilance. During storm season, the risk is higher due to an increased number of thunderstorms. The good news is that there are several things you can do to protect your home from a lightning fire and keep your family safe.

Prime Strike Times
While a strike can occur any time certain atmospheric conditions are present, there are specific times you should be especially mindful:

• During summer months
  
• Afternoon and early evening
  
• Prime thunderstorm season for your region
  
  

In areas with prolonged rainy seasons, lightning strikes may be more common. Stay weather aware, and consider adding upgrades to your home that make it less susceptible to fire damage during a storm.

House Fire Risk
You can't really control where a strike happens, but there are certain measures you can take before and after a storm to reduce the chance of a lightning fire. If you believe your house was struck during a thunderstorm, fire restoration specialists can assess your property to check for damage. A whole-house surge protector can be installed on your electrical panel to protect your outlets and anything plugged into them. Something as simple as unplugging electronics when you know a storm is on its way can be helpful, too.

Personal Safety Strategies
You should always seek a sturdy shelter during a thunderstorm. No place outside leaves you safe from a strike. Even inside your home, it's a good idea to stay away from using corded devices or anything attached to a plumbing line, as both can transfer electric charges from outside directly to you. 
While there are many precautions you can take against a lightning fire in your home, there's no substitute for astute attention. If a strike sounds like it lands anywhere nearby, have your home checked for damage as soon as possible.