From State Farm
Photo courtesy of Michał Mancewicz on Unsplash
State Farm is partnering with the Insurance Information Institute (Triple-I) during National Lightning Awareness Week, which will run from Sunday, June 22, through Saturday, June 28, to raise awareness about the cost of lightning damage claims and how to prevent lightning damage to your home.
Pennsylvania is a hot spot for lightning damage:
- Severe storms often produce widespread lightning strikes, and Pennsylvania is in the top 10 states for lightning claims in 2024, according to III’s industry average based on State Farm claims data.
- Over 1,790 Pennsylvania homeowners received an average of over $8,800 to repair and rebuild from lightning damage, according to III’s national industry average based on State Farm claims data.
Top 3 things Pennsylvania homeowners should do to help protect against lightning damage:
- Install surge protectors, including a whole-house surge protector if possible. Surge protectors can help protect appliances and electronic equipment from the surge of electricity caused by lightning strikes.
- Add a lightning protection system: a lightning protection system, often including lightning rods and grounding systems, can divert lightning strikes away from the building, reducing the risk of fire or damage.
- Unplug electronic devices during a storm and seek shelter at the lowest point in your home if you are home during a storm.
“Lightning remains a costly and unpredictable threat, with ground surges causing nearly half of all claims,” said Michal Brower, State Farm spokesperson. “These events can cause extensive damage to electrical systems, appliances, and even structural issues. The damage underscores the critical need for homeowners to be aware of the risks, invest in protective measures, and stay prepared, especially in high-risk regions where lightning strikes are most frequent and damaging.”
After a lightning storm, homeowners are encouraged to look for these common signs of lightning damage:
- Charring — a lightning-strike site is often charred by lightning’s intense heat. If you believe your home was struck by lightning, consider inspecting the property for burnt patches and charring.
- Damaged electrical switches — similarly, the power surges sometimes caused by lightning can lead to burnt electrical switches.
- Roof and wall damage — lightning can damage a roof or wall to the point of causing holes or reducing a home’s structural integrity.
- Report lightning damage/claim to insurance as soon as possible to begin the repair and recovery process.
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Source: bctv