As the UK prepares for a potentially severe storm, an electrical safety charity is warning homeowners to take immediate action if their property is affected by lightning. The Met Office has issued a warning that some areas could see as much as a month’s rainfall in just a few hours on Thursday, increasing the risk of lightning strikes.
Richard Harvey, an electrical installation engineer at Electrical Safety First, emphasized the importance of prompt action. “Besides risking an immediate fire caused by the huge amounts of energy and heat a lightning bolt can produce, the unseen damage to your electrical wiring, plug sockets, connected equipment, and plugged-in gadgets can be extensive.”
The charity warns that the damage may not be immediately apparent, and homeowners could be at risk from damaged insulation and potentially exposed live wires. Harvey continued, “Heating systems can be badly damaged, and plug sockets burnt out. Phones, tablets, televisions, and Wi-Fi routers that are plugged in at the time can all be damaged beyond repair. In some cases, homes may need a complete re-wire, which can cost thousands.”
According to figures supplied by Admiral Home Insurance, the typical cost of a claim relating to lightning strikes last year was around £7,000, but in some cases, substantial damage has resulted in claims upwards of £100,000. Claims can peak during summer storms.
David Fowkes, head of household underwriting at Admiral, highlighted the potential for extensive damage. “We’ve seen how a direct lightning strike can cause substantial damage to the entire home, affecting a building’s structure and the contents of the home, including electrical items and personal belongings. It’s not uncommon to see considerable loss of electrical items due to the power surge.”
Electrical Safety First advises that energy from lightning bolts can be dispersed to surrounding homes, causing smaller electricity surges that may not be immediately apparent. The charity suggests that homeowners who suspect their home may have been affected by an indirect lightning strike should also consider an electrical installation inspection.
Harvey emphasized the importance of prompt action, saying, “Yellowing plastic and overheating on your plug sockets or a prominent fishy smell are all signs of possible burning and damage.” He added, “If you suspect your home may have been affected by a lightning strike, don’t delay in having it inspected by a registered electrician.”
Homeowners can search for a local electrician on Electrical Safety First’s website using their find-an-electrician tool. The charity also recommends having your wiring inspected and tested to identify any potential risks or damage caused by the lightning strike.
The charity is urging homeowners to take immediate action to ensure their property is safe and prevent potential risks from damaged insulation, exposed live wires, and other hazards. Harvey warned, “If you don’t take action, you could be putting yourself and your family at risk of electrical shock or even fire.”
Electrical Safety First is also reminding homeowners to take precautions to prevent damage from lightning strikes. Harvey suggested, “Make sure you have a lightning conductor installed on your property, and ensure that your electrical wiring is up to date and meets current safety standards.”
The charity is also advising homeowners to take steps to protect their electrical appliances and equipment. Harvey recommended, “Unplug all electrical appliances and equipment during a storm, and avoid using them until the storm has passed. This will help prevent damage from power surges and electrical shocks.”
In addition to the potential damage to electrical systems, lightning strikes can also cause significant damage to homes and buildings. Harvey warned, “A direct lightning strike can cause significant damage to a building’s structure, including damage to roofs, walls, and windows. In some cases, the damage can be so extensive that the building may need to be completely rebuilt.”
Electrical Safety First is urging homeowners to take immediate action to ensure their property is safe and prevent potential risks from damaged insulation, exposed live wires, and other hazards. Harvey emphasized, “Don’t wait until it’s too late. Take action now to ensure your home is safe and secure.”
In conclusion, the risk of lightning strikes is a serious concern for homeowners, and it is essential to take immediate action to ensure their property is safe and prevent potential risks from damaged insulation, exposed live wires, and other hazards. By following the advice of Electrical Safety First and taking precautions to prevent damage from lightning strikes, homeowners can help ensure their property is safe and secure.
Additional Tips for Homeowners:
Make sure you have a lightning conductor installed on your property
Ensure that your electrical wiring is up to date and meets current safety standards
Unplug all electrical appliances and equipment during a storm
Avoid using electrical appliances and equipment until the storm has passed
Consider having an electrical installation inspection if you suspect your home may have been affected by a lightning strike
Search for a local electrician on Electrical Safety First’s website using their find-an-electrician tool
Take steps to protect your electrical appliances and equipment from power surges and electrical shocks
By following these tips and taking immediate action to ensure their property is safe, homeowners can help prevent potential risks from damaged insulation, exposed live wires, and other hazards.