Bob Vila Radio: Lightning Protection

You’ve heard it said that you’ve got a better chance of being struck by lighting than winning the lottery, and that’s actually true. Insurance companies report that 6.5% of all property damage and casualty claims are related to lighting strikes.

Photo: people.tribe.net

CM_BVNOTES-1232-5 Lightening Protection

Listen to BOB VILA ON LIGHTNING PROTECTION, or read text below:

Installing a lightning protection system is not a do-it-yourself project, but it’s very important in protecting your home from the damage lighting can cause.

That damage isn’t as obvious as you’d expect: the strikepoint of lighting is only about as big as a half-dollar, but it can deliver tens of millions of volts to your electrical system and fifty thousand degrees of heat.  It’s only logical that fire may follow, and you may not see it right away if it starts in the walls or the attic.

It’s always a good idea to unplug computers and appliances during a storm. If your home isstruck by lighting, first get out and take shelter at a neighbor’s.  Call the fire department to inspect for fire, then call an electrician to assess the damage to your wiring and appliances before using them again. Then, you might want to go buy that lottery ticket!

Bob Vila Radio is a newly launched daily radio spot carried on more than 60 stations around the country (and growing). You can get your daily dose here, by listening to—or reading—Bob’s 60-second home improvement radio tip of the day. 

For more on lightning, consider:

Installing a Lightning Rod (video)
Home Office Power and Equipment Protection
How To: Make Your Home Storm-Resistant