Inclement weather that produces tornadoes, hail, torrential rain and create a natural fireworks in the sky (lightning) is mother natures way of entertaining us year after year. However the natural phenomenon of lightning is more dangerous and costly than you think.
Lightning normally strikes about 250,000 time a year and kills more people than hurricanes and tornadoes.
Home Insurance Coverage for Lightning
Our home insurance policies protect our homes from lightning damage.
Since 2004, the number of lightening-related insurance claims filed has dropped almost 11.5% percent. However the actual cost per claim is skyrocketing, nearly 64 percent over the past five years.
Why so much? Pricey Electronic Equipment
Experts like the Insurance Information Institute blame the rising cost to two factors:
Expensive consumer electronics in our households
Severe storms
We like having HD TVs, computers, surround sound stereos, home theaters and video game systems. These high priced items have a huge impact on insurance claim losses.
The average claim jumped from $2,600 to $4,300 from 2004 to 2008. Mostly because of consumer electronics
Don’t get zapped
You have a better chance of getting struck by lightning than winning the lottery. Your chances of being struck by lightning are approximately 1 in 600,000. Here are some tips to help keep you safe.
During a thunderstorm:
Inside:
Stay away from windows, doors and electrical appliances.
Use a cell phone, stay off the telephone.
Avoid contact with baths, water faucets and sinks
Outside:
When storms approach, go to an area of lower elevation. Lightning follows the place of least resistance
Stay away from open space, lone trees, metal objects and bodies of water.
Seek shelter nearby in your home or car.
If you feel tingling, your hair stands on end or you smell sulfur, crouch down immediately and cover your ears.
DO NOT lie flat on the ground. Keep as little contact with the ground as possible.
Protecting Your Home Again Lightening
Lightening strikes can cause tremendous damage to your home.
Install a lightning rod/protection system to intercept lightning.
Unplug expensive electronic equipment before storms approach.
Make sure your home’s electrical system is properly grounded.
Invest in surge protectors to keep lightning from destroying costly electrical systems and starting fires.
Don’t underestimate the danger of lightning strikes. Don’t forget to get Homeowners Insurance Quote to protect your home.
