In our June 23 article there was a discussion on personal lightning safety and preparedness for both the outdoor and indoor risk. In our June 24 article the discussion centered on the more frequent but less severe INDIRECT lightning strikes that can result in a surge capable of damaging your appliances and electronics. This article will address the less frequent but potentially more severe DIRECT lightning strike to your home.
What is the chance that my home will experience a direct lightning strike?
A direct lightning strike does not happen very often, but it can cause substantial structural damage with the ensuing fire.
The chance that your home will be struck is low, but it is not zero and is greater than winning the lottery.
In the 2024 lightning season, six homes experienced a direct strike with ensuing fire. None of the homes that have experienced a direct strike and fire were protected by a lightning protection system (LPS) commonly called lightning rods.
Last year firefighters also responded to homes that experienced lightning strikes with either minor fires, electronics damage, or holes in the roof.
What can be done to mitigate a direct lightning strike to your home?
Consider providing an LPS that has been protecting people and property worldwide for over 260 years. They have been the subject of numerous studies and research over the decades including rocket-to-wire triggered lightning research at the University of Florida.
You may have noted that The Villages has installed LPS on every pumping station, all sewage treatment plants, fire department headquarters including the adjacent emergency operations center, and nearly every building atSumter Landing. Hospitals and educational facilities are required to be protected by the building code. Most large churches and hotels in the area are also protected as are the Sharon Performing Arts Center and the Savannah Center, and many homes.
Only you, the homeowner, can decide if you need an LPS. One way to think about it is assessing your own tolerance for risk. For example, if you have a high tolerance for risk you choose to do nothing, the odds are with you, the money stays in your pocket, and if the worst does happen you rely on your homeowner’s insurance policy.
On the other hand, if you have a low tolerance for risk and wish to seek peace of mind to avoid the loss of your home, family members, pets, all of your possessions including irreplaceable memorabilia, vehicles, and the stress of the entire ordeal to reconstruct, deal with an insurance claim, and find l temporary quarters for up to a year, you may wish to consider a LPS.
Contrary to popular myths, a LPS does not attract lightning but simply gives it a safe path to ground.
Over a dozen Villagers, with an LPS, have reported that their home was struck by lightning and in no case was there any fire or structural damage.
Villager Len Hathaway is a member of the Study Group on Lightning.