Many people think of getting hit by lightning as a rare event, but it’s surprisingly common in Florida. One city in particular, Four Corners, is known as the lightning capital of the United States. In 2022, the city ranked #1 for lightning density, with 1,229 lightning events per square mile. The suburb is located just west of Walt Disney World.

Florida ranked #1 in lightning density among all 50 states, with 285 lightning events per square mile. Compared to 2021, Florida saw a 21% increase in lighting events.

People can be injured or killed by lightning. In 2022, 19 people died of lightning strikes. Hundreds more are injured every year.

Lightning can also damage a home. This can result in expensive repairs that may be covered by your homeowners insurance policy. Read on to learn about lightning damage to homes and what you should look for.

Signs of Lighting Damage to Your Home 

Has your home been affected by lightning strikes? Here are the signs:

• Visible fire damage on the roof. Lightning bolts are super hot, reaching up to 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit. They are so hot that they can heat your home’s roof, shingles, and attic and cause a major fire. Your home’s electrical systems and insulation could also sustain damage.
• Shockwave damage to your home. Shockwave damage refers to the force of a lightning bolt destroying stone, brick, and concrete. A lightning bolt can also destroy your chimney and even the entire home.
• Power surge or electrical damage. Lightning bolts don’t just affect the exterior of your home. They can also cause serious electrical damage to the inside of your home as well. A lightning bolt can use your home’s electrical system as its path to the ground. This can cause a power surge that may damage every appliance in your home. A power surge can damage the wires and intricate components inside your devices. As a result, you will lose power and possibly smell smoke.

Mitigating Lightning Damage

If lightning strikes your home, you can take several measures. Most importantly, any fires should be extinguished immediately so that they do not cause extensive damage. You can protect your appliances and electrical devices by unplugging them during thunderstorms. A lightning protection system may also be helpful. Such a system consists of a network of lightning rods, cables, and grounding systems that are designed to keep lightning away from the home’s electrical and plumbing systems.

You should also inspect your home for structural damage, such as holes in the roof, cracks in the foundation, or damage to the walls. If you find any damage, you should contact a professional to repair it.

Contact Us Today

Lightning can be a scary situation. Lightning strikes are common in Florida, so it can be hard to keep your home out of harm’s way.

If your home has been damaged by lightning, a Lakeland lightning damage insurance lawyer from Ruel Law Firm can help you file a claim and get the compensation you rightfully deserve. Schedule a consultation with our office today. Call (833) RUEL-LAW or fill out the online form.

Sources:

news.wgcu.org/section/environment/2023-02-06/central-florida-suburb-named-the-lightning-capital-of-the-u-s

sundownexteriors.com/3-signs-your-home-was-struck-by-lightning/#:~:text=Reaching%20up%20to%2050%2C000%C2%B0,systems%2C%20insulation%2C%20and%20more