Global Courant
Well, what do you know?! The northeastern states of the US just experienced a thunder and snowstorm that produced lightning.
The combination of forces of nature is a very rare event that can have serious consequences for homeowners and commercial property owners in terms of damage. In addition, any time of year when lightning flashes its electrical streaks from heaven to earth can pose danger to people and wildlife.
According to scientific definitions, lightning is the burst of electricity from Mother Nature that occurs between a cloud or clouds and the Earth during a thunderstorm. Lightning should not be taken lightly. It is a potent killer, affecting about sixty people in the United States each year. In addition, lightning can reach 50,000 degrees Fahrenheit, making it capable of fueling home and business fires if it strikes an appropriate flammable target.
Fortunately for the homeowner, most standard home insurance policies will cover damage caused by a lightning strike. Car damage, however, is a different story. As for any vehicle damage caused by a lightning strike, neither liability nor collision insurance will cover the losses. It is only an extensive car policy that reimburses you for the lightning damage.
10 ways to stay away from the danger of a lightning strike
If you get caught in a thunderstorm outside, do the following as soon as possible:
• Enter a building that is safe for habitation.
• Get into a vehicle.
• If you are unable to get into a safe shelter, minimize your risks by staying out of an open field, moving away from the top of a hill, staying away from tall trees standing alone and not to touch water or wet things, especially tug-of-war and metal objects.
If you are inside a house or building during the storm:
• Do not touch telephones that are connected by a cord.
• Do not touch electrical appliances such as computers or TVs or cords.
• Do not use your water taps for things like hand washing or dishwashing.
• Do not shower or bathe.
• Keep clear of all windows, doors, porches and metal pipes.
• Do not touch concrete floors, walls and surfaces.
• Wait at least thirty minutes before leaving the building after the storm.
If you’re in a car during the storm, pull over and stop, turn on your hazard lights, turn off the car, don’t touch anything metal in the vehicle. Even if the thunder has stopped, do not continue until thirty minutes after the sound of thunder.
Nine ways to safely protect yourself against lightning risks
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