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How to Prevent a Lightning Fire From Affecting Your Home | SERVPRO® of Beaver County
9/20/2022 (Permalink)
If you are dealing with smoke or fire damage from a recent fire, call SERVPRO of Beaver County to learn about a restoration solution for your issue.
It’s possible to prevent most manmade causes of home fires, especially if you have the right safety equipment. However, many natural causes also put you at risk, one being lightning.
There were over 70,000 damage claims made in 2020 regarding lightning strikes, and the damage can include knocked-down trees, fried electrical systems or even home fires that were started by lightning.
Over 6,000 strikes happen every minute, showing us how frequent this disaster really is and why it’s important to be prepared.
Lightning is a concentration of electrical energy that usually happens between clouds and the ground. These strikes can also occur during forest fires, volcanic eruptions and snowstorms, but “dry lightning” is also a significant risk.
Dry lightning happens without rain, and it causes a significant spike in the risk of wildfires. While the threats vary seasonally, it’s a constant risk that we must prepare for in addition to being ready for traditional lightning.
When a fire starts from lightning, you may not notice it immediately as the fire will start in the attic or walls. But you will probably hear the strike! The loud explosion sound, black spots on your walls or the smell of smoke are signs that you should call the fire department immediately.
A great way to prevent lightning fires is to install a lightning rod. This metal pole will take the energy from the lightning strike and direct it away from your home.
Additionally, consider adding a whole-home surge protector to ward off fires that begin from electrical surges and faulty wiring.
Lightning is also known to start wildfires easily, and while different regions have varying peak seasons, it’s crucial for everyone to prepare. Over 9,000 fires each year originate from lightning strikes, and these flames often burn faster and longer.
Remove any dead trees or vegetation from your property, and think about how a defensible zone could improve your fire protection. Additionally, add smoke detectors to every level of your home so that you have full coverage and an added warning when flames arise.
If your house is affected by fire, call SERVPRO of Beaver County to receive a quick response and excellent support. Our expert team is trained to handle every type of fire cleanup, and our industry-leading equipment will have you back in your home as soon as possible.
Have you experienced smoke or fire damage in your home? Call us today to get the restoration finished fast.