Lightning: Protecting Your Family and Home from Lightning-
Lightning: Protecting Your Family and Home from Lightning–
Lightning and an ensuing fire account for more than a quarter billion dollars in property damage every year. If you live in an area prone to lightning, here are steps you can take to help reduce the likelihood of loss or damage to your property:
Property protection
The best rule is to install proper lightning protection. A number of specialty firms in your area can help you to design a protective system to safeguard your home. Any system you choose should be in accordance with guidelines set forth by groups such as Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) and the National Fire Protection Association. Components of the system can include:
- Lightning rods on the roof of your home and large trees around your home to control and redirect the damaging effects of lightening. The lightning rod system should be installed by a UL-listed company.
- Voltage surge suppressors to limit the exposure of electronic equipment, such as computers, stereo systems and televisions, to excessive voltage spikes.
- Surge arresters to help divert power surges along the utility lines away from source equipment.
Life safety
Lighting kills nearly 100 people each year in the U.S. and injures hundreds of others. Though your chances of getting struck by lightning during a thunderstorm are extremely small, lightning is always something of concern. These precautions can help reduce your risk:
- Get off high ground and away from tall trees, and don’t stand in a crowd of people.
- Keep away from golf carts, all metal fences, machinery and other metal objects.
- Avoid bodies of water, and if you are swimming or in a boat, make for shore at once.
- If you are driving, remain in your car. It is one of the safest places to stay. Never ride a horse or bicycle in a thunderstorm.
- Lightning may enter a house through anything that conducts electricity. Unplug and do not handle electrical appliances during a storm, and stay away from all parts of the plumbing system.