Lightning and House Fires

8/23/2021 (Permalink)

Placing fire and smoke detectors will give you and your family a safe escape from your Rocky Mount, NC, fired home.

From 2004 to 2008, lightning was responsible for over 24,000 fires, 18% of which occurred in homes and resulted in an estimated 70% of the $407 million in direct property damage. While a lightning fire is possible, there are ways a homeowner can protect their property against that particular outcome. Fire mitigation companies in Rocky Mount, NC, recommend a couple of methods for prevention and protection:

• Lightning rods
• Smoke and fire detectors

Understanding the Nature of a Lightning Fire

When people think of a house fire caused by a storm discharge, they often assume it is quick. However, when your house is struck with a powerful electrical discharge, it can take a couple of hours before a fire begins.

Because a strike can result in a fast or slow burn, firefighters recommend placing several fire and smoke detectors at the peaks of your home: in attic spaces and other high points. The fire is likely to be a high burn, chasing across an attic space or different structure, such as a garage.

While a smoke alarm will not prevent a fire from starting, it will provide a family with enough warning to get to safety. To ensure the best possibility for escape, a family should have a well-established evacuation plan.

An evacuation plan should include at least two exits from every room in the house. An example of two exits from a bedroom would be from a window or the doorway. Make sure to practice escape routes often, so they become second nature.

Fire Prevention

The best prevention method for fires stemming from lightning strikes is the installation of a lightning rod. With a rod, your home is protected against nearly 90% or more strikes.

The rod helps to guide the lightning from the peak of the home to the ground. People often mischaracterize these devices as being attractive, but that is not accurate. Instead, the tool becomes the highest point on your property, making it the more likely target. If struck, the bolt will follow the cable of the rod to the ground, safely dispersing away from the structure of your home.

Unfortunately, there is no device that is 100% effective for preventing storm-related fires. The best thing a family can do is install the preventative mentioned, including the alert systems, and prepare a safe exit strategy. Unfortunately, sometimes a fire will happen, and when such events occur, it is best to plan to get your family to safety rather than trying to protect a house. Family is what matters most.

If you want more tips and techniques for fire safety, contact your local fire department or fire remediation, specialist. These professionals can offer recommendations on tools and evacuation strategies that are catered to your situation.

While somewhat rare in residential areas, a lightning fire can occur, and a family must prepare for such possibilities. Installing rods and fire and smoke detectors are two of the best ways to ensure your family’s safety. However, even more, important is having a practiced evacuation plan that all family members are familiar with.