Essential Lightning Protection for House: Tips to Safeguard Your Home

Lightning can be a common occurrence in Kansas City. In 2020, the Earth Networks Total Lightning Network (ENTLN) recorded 184 thunder days in Missouri. The same year, Earth Networks issued 2,259 Dangerous Thunderstorm Alerts for Kansas.

This makes it essential for Kansas City residents to be vigilant about lightning safety. Paying attention to lightning protection for your house is absolutely imperative, especially during storm seasons when the risk is higher. This natural disaster can cause significant property damage, including fires and electrical destruction, necessitating costly repairs.

Fortunately, there are many things you can do to enhance your property’s safety and resilience. Protect your home from lightning strikes with these five lightning safety tips for indoors:

Tip #1: Install a Lightning Rod

Investing in a lightning rod is an excellent way to start building your home lightning protection system. This metal rod mounted on a building’s roof is designed to safely redirect lightning strikes that hit it into the ground, protecting the property from significant fire or structural damage.

Opt for professional house lightning rod installation to ensure effectiveness. Experts can determine the best location on your roof and install it according to the National Fire Protection Association’s Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems (NFPA 780).

Tip #2: Use Surge Protectors

Lightning striking near a power line can trigger power surges or sudden spikes in electrical voltage. These surges can travel through your home’s electrical system, potentially damaging or destroying appliances and electronic devices plugged into outlets.

Surge protectors are designed to shield your electronics from these harmful voltage spikes. They work by diverting excess voltage away from devices and safely into the ground.

Place surge protectors on all valuable electronics and appliances, such as refrigerators, computers, and televisions for maximum protection. It’s also wise to invest in a whole-house surge protector, which is installed at the main electrical panel and offers broader protection. Whole-house surge protectors for homes safeguard your devices from lightning-induced power surges and ensure they remain safe and functional during storms.

Tip #3: Ground Your Home Properly

Proper grounding can help prevent lightning damage to a home, providing a safe pathway for electrical currents to dissipate. If your home is hit directly or indirectly, the excess electricity will have a clear path to the earth, reducing the risk of fires and structural damage.

If you’re unsure about the state of your home’s grounding, it’s best to enlist the help of a licensed electrician to inspect and, if necessary, upgrade it to conform with local codes and standards. They can also check for any issues and recommend improvements to help keep your home safe.

Tip #4: Unplug Devices During Storms

Unplugging your electronics during thunderstorms is a simple yet effective solution when it comes to lightning protection for your house. As explained earlier, lightning can cause powerful electrical surges that travel through wiring and into any plugged-in devices, resulting in expensive repairs or replacements for your electronics.

Unplug your devices during storms to protect them. Essential appliances such as medical equipment can remain plugged in, but high-quality surge protectors should protect them.

When facing an unexpected storm, here are some practical home lightning safety tips and tricks for unplugging devices efficiently:

• Use power strips. Plug multiple devices into a single power strip (being careful not to overload it). This makes it easier to unplug several items quickly.

• Plan ahead. When you know a storm is approaching, unplug non-essential devices in advance.

• Educate household members. Ensure everyone knows which devices to unplug and how to do so safely.

Tip #5: Ensure Proper Home Insurance

Comprehensive home insurance covering lightning damage is crucial for protecting your home and belongings. Most standard home insurance policies include lightning protection, but it’s essential to double-check your coverage limits and deductible amounts. This ensures you’re adequately protected in the event of a lightning strike.

Discussing any concerns or questions about your policy with your insurance agent is also a good idea. Ensuring your home insurance policy is up-to-date and provides adequate coverage will give you peace of mind and financial protection if lightning strikes your home.

Take the time to verify and understand your coverage so you can be better prepared to handle any potential damage caused by lightning and safeguard your property and finances.

Take Action Today To Protect Your Home and Loved Ones

Taking proactive steps to protect your home from lightning damage is paramount, especially in areas like Kansas City, where lightning can be a frequent threat. Remember, preparing for a thunderstorm shouldn’t start when the storm is upon you. Following these lightning safety tips indoors can significantly reduce the risk that lightning poses to your home and loved ones.

Call Restoration 1 for Swift Recovery Solutions After Thunderstorm Damage

Despite the best measures, emergencies can happen. When you need emergency property restoration after a thunderstorm, contact Restoration 1 of Kansas City. We’re ready to help you recover and return your property to its pre-damaged condition swiftly and efficiently.