What to do when Lightning STRIKES Your Home!
Hello, my name is Sam Hancock and I am the Master Electrician at Universal Power & Electric. Lightning strikes are powerful and unpredictable forces of nature. While rare occurrences, they can cause significant damage when they hit a residential property. Knowing what to do in the aftermath of a lightning strike is crucial for ensuring your safety and minimizing potential damage. In this blog post, we'll explore the steps to take if your house is struck by lightning.
Assess the Situation
The safety of you and your family should be your top priority. If you're at home when lightning strikes, remain calm and immediately move away from windows, electrical appliances, and plumbing fixtures.
Lightning strikes can ignite fires in your home's structure. After the strike, carefully inspect your house for any signs of smoke or fire. If you detect a fire, evacuate everyone from the premises and call emergency services immediately.
Evaluate Damage
Lightning can cause power surges that damage electrical wiring, outlets, and appliances. After a lightning strike, turn off the main power supply to your house to prevent electrical fires or further damage. Avoid using any electrical appliances until a professional electrician has inspected your home's electrical system and determine if Megger Testing is needed.
Universal Power & Electric is proud to introduce our new service of megger testing, a crucial aspect of electrical maintenance and safety often required by homeowners insurance after a lightning strike. Megger testing involves using a megohmmeter, also known as a megger, to measure the insulation resistance of electrical wiring, cables, and equipment. This testing method is essential for identifying potential faults or weaknesses in insulation that could lead to electrical hazards, such as short circuits or fires. By measuring insulation resistance, megger testing helps prevent electrical failures and ensures the reliability and safety of electrical systems. It is particularly important for older buildings or industrial facilities where insulation deterioration over time is a concern. With our state-of-the-art equipment and expert technicians, Universal Power & Electric delivers comprehensive megger testing services to our clients, offering peace of mind and confidence in the integrity of their electrical infrastructure. Trust Universal Power & Electric for thorough and reliable megger testing to safeguard your property and ensure compliance with safety standards.
Preventative Measures
Install surge protectors on electrical outlets to safeguard your appliances and electronic devices from power surges caused by lightning strikes or electrical storms.
Experiencing a lightning strike can be a frightening and overwhelming ordeal, but knowing how to respond can make all the difference in ensuring the safety of your home and family. By following the steps outlined in this blog post and seeking professional assistance when needed, you can navigate the aftermath of a lightning strike with confidence and minimize the impact on your property. Stay safe, stay prepared, and remember to prioritize your well-being above all else.