Of course, if you are sleeping or not at home, you might miss these indicators. Be sure to keep any invoices if you pay for temporary housing. Lightning produces an electric current that can pass through your body and damage nerves and organs. Lightning strikes the earth about 100 times every second and can heat the surrounding air to up to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit (The Weather Channel).As such a destructive force, it’s no wonder lightning damage caused $790 million in homeowners insurance losses in 2015 and an average of almost $8,000 per paid claim (Insurance Information Institute). How to Get Insurance to Pay for Roof Replacement? Know the Indicators of a Potential Lightning Strike. Lightning strikes may cause injury either by a direct strike or indirectly when the current goes through another object or the ground before reaching a person. Did the lights suddenly flicker? Lightning rod systems are somewhat effective for direct hits, however in the large percentage of lightning damage cases, the surge of ultra high voltage enters the home via the grounding system of the house. Contact us today to schedule a roof inspection, call now (919) 604-7683! Get A Free Estimate for Roof Repair or Replacement. You can also take a look at the shingles and see if they look burned, as this is a surefire sign that lightning has hit. 3. Lightning can cause a host of physical problems, from charred roof tiles to destroyed electrical equipment. A house’s roof and attic are especially susceptible to fire damage as it is usually close to the point that gets struck and conductive structures such as metal gutters and water pipes. All Rights Reserved | Privacy | Terms | Roof Waste Calculator, Unfortunately, it often happens that a house or commercial building is standing between the positive and negative charges that form and initiate the electrostatic discharge between the cloud and the ground. Not all lightning strikes come with obvious signs, although you will likely hear a loud noise or see a flash outside the window. Are Business Expenses During a Forced Shutdown Covered by Insurance? Do this regardless of whether or not you detect a fire hazard. Strock Insurance provides the best competitive rates for insurance to individuals and businesses in the Central PA region. Below are some tips and advice related to lightning and your residence. Call 9-1-1 and tell them your home was struck by lightning, even if you do not see signs of a fire. How To Tarp a Roof - Take Caution or Use a Professional. Seek shelter immediately to reduce the risk of lightning injury or even death. Be as thorough as you can, answering everything to the best of your ability. If your property experienced a fire, Physical damage to the structure of your property, If your house doesn’t have a roof lightning rod and a lightning strike damaged your roof, then. They’ll send out the fire department to check for any signs of fire, hot spots, or potential danger. There’s a one in 10,000 chance of it happening but it’s not impossible – with a… If you notice any of these signs, it may be too late to avoid being struck and possibly injured or killed. If your house doesn’t have a roof lightning rod and a lightning strike damaged your roof, then Authentic Restoration can help. A HOME insurance expert has revealed whether you can claim if your house has been hit by lightning. Most people killed or injured by lightning are outside doing recreational activities or sports, or are working outside such as construction or farming jobs. Coverage Against Uninsured & Underinsured Drivers, What to Do if Your House Is Struck by Lightning, Insurance Lingo and Terminology Explained, Easy Ways to Protect Your Home From Burglars. A rapidly growing cumulonimbus cloud. Experts say when lightning strikes a home it's often followed a very loud, powerful boom that could shake your entire house. "Honest and professional. During your documentation efforts, be sure to take pictures and videos when appropriate. Call 9-1-1 and tell them your home was struck by lightning, even if you do not see signs of a fire. If your house is struck by lightning, the first thing you should do is call the fire department. Financing now available to qualified customers. Ask yourself if you experienced additional problems. Copyright © 2020. With the help of professionals, do your best to document everything. Below are some tips and advice related to lightning and your residence. Lightning strikes a tree, a transformer or the ground close to the house and energizes the entire ground and neutral system and conductors. Falling bricks and shingles can cause severe damage to your roof. Cooper is one of a small global cadre of doctors, meteorologists, electrical engineers and others who study what happens when you get struck by lightning, and ideally how to avoid it in the first place. Lightning can cause damage to your house in three common ways: fire, an explosive surge, and with shock waves. If your home has been hit by lightning, Mullane recommends taking the following actions: *Make sure everyone is accounted for and immediately evacuate the house. If it’s still storming, seek shelter with a neighbor. After you get the go-ahead from your insurance agent to move forward with repairs, make it your goal to get your house back to working order promptly. Signs Your House Was Struck by Lightning Lightning is the result of an abrupt and natural high-voltage electrical discharge between a storm cloud and the ground. ", “They were clean, prompt, organized and on time.". Lightning will usually strike the highest point of the building and move through water pipes, rods, or wiring to form a connection with the ground. Common signs that your home was struck include: If you are home during the strike, you may immediately realize that lightning struck your house because of the proximity of the loud sound and the proximity of the flash. In addition to home electrical problems, lightning can lead to fire. They’ll send out the fire department to check for any signs of fire, hot spots, or potential danger. We’ll work with your insurance if a damage claim exists. Just use your best judgment and be honest. The agent at the other end of the phone will walk you through a list of questions. ... -Call 911, and tell them your home was struck by lightning. 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