Lightning and Home Fires

7/8/2020 (Permalink)

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) estimates that local fire departments in the US respond to an average of 22,600 fires started by lightning every year. Lightning-related fires are more common from June through August, especially in the afternoons and evenings.

If you think your home has been struck by cloud-to-ground lightning, call your Decatur Fire Department immediately. When a bolt of lightning hits a surface, it is over 53,000 degrees Fahrenheit (5 times hotter than the surface of the sun). A fire might not be evident at first, until it is too late since it is common for these types of fires to start in the attic.

If you can hear thunder, you are within 10 miles of a storm, that means that your home can by struck by lightning even that far away. Stay indoors and away from windows and doors, try not to use too many electronics, and it is a good idea to unplug phones, computes, and TVs. Wait at least 30 minutes to go outside after a storm has passed. 

SERVPRO of Decatur is locally owned and operated, and we are always ready to help homeowners with fire damage emergencies. If you need help, call us at 404-378-9998