Lightning Strikes and House Fires

12/23/2019 (Permalink)

Thunderstorms can cause damage in many ways, but one of the most violent ones is via lightning

Lightning Strikes and House Fires

A lightning fire does not discriminate, making it a relatively rare but nonetheless potential fire hazard for homes not only in Clear Lake, TX but also all over the country. However, fires started by nature’s electrical discharge are, statistically speaking, more likely to burn wildlands than homes, and it is reassuring to know that restoration experts can set things right after property losses from a home fire.

Facts Regarding Lightning Strikes on Homes

Although lightning is an unpredictable force of nature, statistics and anecdotal evidence offer suggestions about its patterns that can be helpful information.

• Strikes are more likely to happen during the months of June, July and August.
• More strikes occur in the afternoon and evening hours between 3 and 9 p.m.
• Strikes on homes often, but not always, travel along conductive lines like pipes, electrical lines, gutters, and metal framing around windows and doors.
• The attic is the location where a lightning fire is most likely to begin.
• Shock waves from thunderbolts have been known to damage materials like cinder block, stone, concrete and brick, and they can also shatter glass.
• Unplugging electronics during a storm is a prudent move because surge protectors cannot protect them from a direct strike.
• It is best to stay out of bathrooms and kitchens during an electrical storm to reduce the risk of injury from electricity traveling along pipework. Avoid using corded telephones and computers as well, as they can conduct electricity.
• Some zones, such as Florida’s gulf coast, have more frequent storm activity than other areas.
• Lightning protection systems are available for areas where there is more activity.

The phenomenon of atmospheric electricity is exciting for some people and frightening for others. The fact is, a lightning fire is statistically less likely to threaten your home than another type of house fire no matter where you live. Visit http://www.SERVPROclearlake.com/ for more information on fire damage.