Lightning Can Cause Hundreds of Dollars in Damage

Thunderstorms and lightning are either loved or hated. Some people are scared to death at the first sight of lightning and thunder, either way, thunderstorms can cause a lot of damage. When lightning hits the ground, a tree, or a building it does not strike straight down it spreads. Annually in America, there are more than 20 million lightning strikes that actually hit the ground. $1 billion dollars in damage are reported each year to insurance companies, damage from lightning can be severe.

If lightning hits your home or nearby power lines it could potentially destroy your property. Lightning can travel through wiring and phone lines which can ruin your computers, televisions, stereos, and other electronics. One way to safeguard those belonging is to unplug those electronics if you are expecting a thunderstorm. Sometimes if you install a surge protector it will help protect your electronics but if the lightning strike is a direct hit it will jump the surge protectors. Your insurance company may or may not cover these electronics if they are ruined by lightning, check with your insurance agent to see if you are covered. Lightning strikes are not just limited to direct lightning strikes on a building but can strike trees which then could split, falling through your roof. Be careful after a lightning storm avoid using landline phones if power lines are down; if your home gets hit by lightning during a storm call an electrician to inspect and repair your home.

Thunderstorms are dangerous and your home should be protected. If you need homeowners insurance and live in the Naples, Florida area call Gulf Coast Educators Insurance.