There are few forces in this world that we have less control over than the weather. Humans may have the ability to control nearly every aspect of our lives, but against the weather, we struggle to even accurately predict if it’s going to rain tomorrow. One way that nature chooses to express its displeasure with us is through severe weather conditions, including powerful thunderstorms. Even when we’re in what should be the safety of our house, lightning is still capable of producing immense damage. Here is some advice for what to do if lightning strikes your home.
Inspect for Damage and Injuries
The most urgent concern following a lightning strike is to make sure no one is injured. Assuming everyone is okay, do a visual inspection of the home if it’s safe to do so. Avoid approaching any dangerous spots such as holes in the roof and exposed support beams or wires. If fire or smoke is present or you see char marks on the wall and near electrical outlets, leave the house immediately and get to safety.
Call the Fire Department
The first call to make following a strike is to the fire department so they can come and inspect the home for damage. Remember to use a cell phone over a landline because there’s an increased risk of an additional strike if you don’t. Your local fire department can perform an inspection of the home to look for signs of fire or smoke.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The next call you make should go to your home insurance provider. Take pictures of any damage, and be sure to keep invoices because your insurance company will most likely require them at some point. Your provider may know what to do if lightning strikes your home and can provide information on the resources available in your community to help get your family back on their feet. Staying responsive and communicative with the adjuster and insurance company is the quickest way to get your home back to normal.
Have Your Home Inspected
Some of the biggest dangers from lightning strikes comes from unseen places, which makes it necessary to call in professionals to inspect your home. An electrician can spot the signs of damage to your home’s electrical wiring and determine if your home’s electrical system is still safely functioning. If there is damage to the roof or the support structure, a home construction company should also be among your calls.
