Will Lightning Strike Your House?

Did you know that lightning kills more people than tornados and hurricanes each year. It normally strikes about 270,000 times and kills an average of 76 people each year. A typical home insurance policy protects our homes from lightning damage. when you purchase comprehensive insurance with your auto policy, any damage to your vehicle is covered as well. Your health insurance will cover medical expenses in the event you or a family member were to be struck by lightning.

The number of lightening-related insurance claims filed by policyholders and paid by insurance companies since 2004, has dropped almost 11.5%. The average cost per claim however, has escalated almost 70% over the past five years. Experts on insurance-related matters, blame increased claims cost on two things: Severe storms and more and more consumer electronics in homes.

High dollar electronics are now common place in the average houshold, which has a significant impact on insurance claims losses. While we enjoy having sound systems, computers, and high definition televisions , these expensive electronics have contributed greatly to the cost of the average lightning related claim.

While the weather is beyond our control, taking steps to protect ourselves, our loved ones, and our homes, from the effects of lightning is the smart thing to do. It’s important to do our part to lower insurance rates-and keep our family, home, and possessions safe. Don’t underestimate the power of lightning

Safety Tips For You And Your Family

Try not to have contact with sinks, baths and water faucets.

Stay away from windows, doors, and electrical appliances.

Aviod using a telephone during storms. Use a cell phone instead.

When storms are approaching, go to an area of lower elevation .

Avoid solitary trees, bodies of water, open areas, hilltops, and metal objects.

Look for shelter in a nearby home or car.

Having a lightning protection system properly installed is approximately 99% effective in preventing potential lightning damage.

Your home’s electrical system should be properly grounded.

Unplugging expensive electronic equipment is the simplest way to protect it from lightning damage.

To keep lightning from destroying costly electrical systems, home electronics, and starting fires, use surge protectors

A bolt of lightning can result in heat of up to 50,000 degrees farenheit which often results in a fire. Many fires go unnoticed , burning in attic space or within the walls of the home. If you smell smoke or sense the possibility of fire, even if there is no visible flame, call the fire department quickly so that they can determine whether there is an immediate hidden danger.

As a precaution, follow up by having a qualified electrician diagnose damaged wiring and other potential hazards as soon as possible.

Although your chances of being struck by lightning are only 1 in 600,000, being prepared can reduce those numbers and keep yourself, your family, and your home safe when lightning strikes.

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