The severe summer storm season is already upon most of us in the USA with thunderstorms and tornados already occurring in record-breaking numbers.  Lightning strikes are a real fire threat during this time of year from these storms.  Proactive measures now can help minimize a disaster at your home later.

Lightning striking your home is the primary fire hazard.  Next time a thunderstorm passes through your area, wait about 15-20 minutes after the storm passes and then listen for the fire sirens as firefighters start heading out to put out the resultant fires.  Why the delay?  Many lightning strikes to homes cause roof fires or fires in the attic space or upper floor of the home; if anyone is home, they usually do not check those areas right away.  (Many times we responded to attic fires where the occupants of the home—who were oblivious to the fire—were alerted by neighbors who saw the fire from their home across the street.)

The vast majority of homes in the U.S. do not have any lightning strike protection or the protection is inadequate.  Any home can be struck by lightning so it’s best to be prepared.  Lightning protection for your home is a good investment, both for fire safety and financial protection of what’s probably your largest investment—your home.

Next, consider the affect on the electrical system of your home should it take a lightning strike.  I’ve seen electrical panel boxes “blown” off the wall by the force of the electricity entering the house from a strike.  Lightning is powerful!  Ordinary surge protectors will not protect the many electrical components in our homes: televisions, computers, telephones, kitchen and laundry appliances (with their little on-board computers!), etc.  Consider purchasing specialized protection that can withstand the surge of a lightning strike.

Ever heard of Urban Wildland Interface?  Well if you’ve been fortunate enough to build your dream house in the midst of nature—back in the pines or on a heavily wooded lot or up in a canyon overlooking the ocean—your home is in what fire officials have designated as a Urban Wildland Interface.  Basically, where “humans meet nature”.  Dry lightning causes major fire losses each year in such areas; areas experiencing drought conditions are at greater risk from lightning induced fires.  If you live in such an area, take precautions before severe weather strikes to reduce the potential for fire to spread to your home.

When a thunderstorm does come through, take cover and protect your family.  After the storm passes, start assessing your home and its major systems.  (Use the Post T-Storm Checklist link over on the right-hand navigation bar on this page.) Make sure the storm has safely passed before going outside to check your home!  Don’t be fooled by the clouds parting and the sun coming out.  Lightning can strike ten miles away from its “parent” thunderstorm.  Follow the 30/30 Rule for Lightning Safety:  The 30/30 Rule states that people should seek shelter if the "Flash-To-Bang" delay—the length of time in seconds between a lightning flash and its subsequent thunder—is 30 seconds or less, and that they remain under cover until 30 minutes after the final clap of thunder. Studies have shown most people struck by lightning are struck not at the height of a thunderstorm, but before or after the storm has peaked.