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Keep Your Home Secure From Lightning-Related Fires | SERVPRO® of North Fort Worth
9/19/2022 (Permalink)
If you are dealing with smoke or fire damage from a recent fire, call SERVPRO of North Fort Worth to learn about a restoration solution for your issue
House fires can be devastating, but with the right tools and safety measures, you are better able to protect your family and your Dallas-Fort Worth (DFW) property. While most house fires are manmade and thus preventable, though, others are started by natural threats that may significantly damage your home.
There were over 70,000 damage claims in 2020 as a result of lightning strikes. Even though personal lightning strikes are a rare phenomenon, your home isn’t safe from this danger. When lightning hits, it can destroy trees, burn through your electricity or even ignite a fire.
Approximately 6,000 lightning strikes are thought to occur every minute. This means that every one of us is at risk of being affected by lightning, and we should prepare ourselves and our properties before severe weather is forecast.
Lightning is a huge bolt of electricity that occurs between clouds in the air and the ground. Thunderstorms may seem like the only source of lightning, but it can also strike during volcanic eruptions, dangerous wildfires and even severe snowstorms.
We equate lightning with severe weather, but it’s capable of striking even on a clear and sunny day. “Dry lightning” occurs without rain, and it’s a huge concern since it can spark wildfires.
So, as we begin to prepare for storms, we should also learn to be prepared for potential flames.
Quite a lot of damage, including fires, can result from a lightning strike on your property. The heat of the impact itself or an electrical surge brought on by it can both spark a fire.
When flames start after a strike, you might not catch it instantly as it will burn up in your attic or between your walls. Even if you don’t see a strike, though, you are likely to hear its distinctive, explosive boom.
If you hear a strike, look for signs of burning. If you notice scorch marks or smell smoke, immediately inform the fire department.
A great tool to help avert lightning-related flames is a lightning rod. This metal pole can deflect lightning’s energy away from your house and straight into the ground, preventing any fires from starting due to its electricity and heat.
Wildfires and other outdoor fires frequently start from lightning strikes. Lighting fires are more common in certain parts of the country depending on the season, but around 9,000 fires are ignited each year by lightning strikes.
To protect your home, keep a tidy yard free of deceased or dying plants and trees, and think about utilizing defensible zones to create a barrier from close lightning strikes and flames.
Be sure to install a smoke alarm on every floor of your home and in the bedrooms to notify you if flames break out anywhere you can’t see.
If your home is affected by flames, our team at SERVPRO can deal with the damage.
The fire recovery process can be a stressful time, but we can make it easier on you with a quick response and a thorough inspection. Once we get started, we’ll keep you updated every step of the way as we return your home to its pre-fire state.
Have you experienced smoke or fire damage in your home? Call us today to get the restoration finished fast.