Lightning Strikes & Resulting Damage

Did you know that Florida has 17 out of the top 30 cities for lightning and is the lightning capital of the United States?

Also known as the Lightning State, West Palm Beach, and Coral Springs are among those 17 cities in Florida for lightning.

Lightning strikes can cause significant damage in various ways that can result in property damage and the need to file an insurance claim.

Damage Caused By Lightening

Structural Damage: The intense heat and explosive force of a lightning strike can cause fires, shatter concrete, and damage roofs, chimneys, and walls.

Electrical Damage: Lightning can induce powerful surges in electrical systems, leading to the failure of electronic devices, electrical fires, and damage to wiring and circuit breakers.

Tree Damage: Trees struck by lightning can explode or be stripped of bark as the electric current is carried throughout the tree by its water-conducting sapwood below the bark, heating it up and instantaneously boiling the water. The resulting pressure from the steam can make the trunk or limbs burst.

Human and Animal Injury: Lightning strikes can cause severe burns, neurological damage, cardiac arrest, and even death. Indirect injuries can occur from falling debris or fires sparked by the strike.
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Understanding and mitigating these risks is crucial for protecting life and property from lightning-related hazards.

Tips to Mitigate Before Lightning Strikes
 
Installing surge protectors in your home can help protect electronics. They can be installed at the main electrical panel and outlets.
 
Lightning rods are designed to protect a house or building from a direct lightning strike. 
 
Tips For Lightning Safety
 
To keep you and your family safe during a severe thunderstorm, stay off corded phones, computers, and other electrical equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity, and avoid water during a thunderstorm.
 
If you are outside with no shelter, stay clear of tall objects, and construction equipment such as scaffolding, ladders, and cranes, and avoid trees.
 
Whether you need help with a new, underpaid, or disputed insurance claim, Reliant Insurance Adjusters has the knowledge and experience to assist your needs. To find out how we can best help you, call us at (561) 288-6434 or contact us here.