Preparing for Lightning Storms

Lightning storms and their accompanying high winds and heavy rains can wreak havoc, especially during the summer months. Make sure you’re prepared, and know what your home and auto insurance covers:

• Damage to a home caused by a direct lightning strike, a tree falling on a home or a wildfire sparked by lightning are all generally covered by a standard homeowners insurance policy.
• Electrical appliances damaged as a result of a lightning-induced power surge may also be covered by a standard policy.
• Most homeowner policies do not cover flooding. Flood damage to homes may be covered by a separate optional flood insurance policy, typically provided by the National Flood Insurance Program.
• Damage to cars as a result of flooding is generally covered under optional comprehensive coverage of auto insurance policies.

If a lightning storm is expected in your area:

• Seek shelter inside a building.
• Avoid contact with conducting pathways, such as plumbing pipes, corded phones, televisions and other electronic equipment.
• Use only a cell phone or cordless telephone during an electrical storm.
• Delay household activities, like doing the dishes, laundry and showering until after a storm passes.
• Stay indoors for at least 30 minutes after a storm passes, as lightning can strike miles from a storm’s center.