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What should I do if lightning strikes my home?

What should I do if lightning strikes my home?What to do when lightning strikes hits your home

When lightning strikes, it’s no minor deal — you might think it’s rare, but in Niceville, FL, summer storms mean it’s more common than expected. Your home suddenly hit by a bolt of electricity? That’s a real jolt, both literally and emotionally. You may ask, “What should I do if lightning strikes my home?” Here’s the lowdown so you don’t put up with any malarky during the aftermath. And trust me, Service Minds Mister Sparky has your back.

Stay Safe, First and Foremost

You hear that crack of thunder, and your heart jumps into your throat as the power flickers out. First things first, don’t panic. Rule number one after a lightning strike is staying safe. Avoid touching anything metallic or electrical — no phones, no computers, nothing that might be connected to the electrical system. Even though the storm might seem like it’s easing up, I don’t think it’s safe to stroll outside or investigate the damage.

A friend once thought he could check on his garage mid-storm—big mistake. Not only did he narrowly avoid getting hit by another strike, but his tools were fried to a crisp like yesterday’s burnt toast. What is the moral of the story? Sit tight and wait for the storm to pass before moving around too much.

Call the Pros After the Strike

Next, don’t mess around trying to handle things yourself. This isn’t the time for DIY attempts with a flashlight and a screwdriver. Call up your local professionals—and who better than Service Minds, Mister Sparky? We don’t put up with any malarky regarding your safety and home protection. We’ll inspect your electrical system thoroughly, ensuring there aren’t any hidden dangers like overloaded circuits or compromised wiring.

And don’t wait too long. I once had a neighbor who thought it was no big deal to wait a few days after his house got zapped. His whole breaker panel was a melted disaster zone when the pros arrived. Lightning damage isn’t always visible to the naked eye—it could lurk inside your walls, waiting to cause more significant issues.

Check for Fire or Smoke

Lightning can spark a fire faster than you can say, “Oh no!” If you smell smoke or see flames, don’t play hero — call 911 immediately. Get yourself and your family out of the house and let the fire department handle the rest. Lightning fires don’t give much warning and can spread in the blink of an eye. Plus, the heat from a strike is intense enough to ignite wood, drywall, and even insulation materials inside your walls.

Back in the day, I remember my uncle telling me how his neighbor’s attic caught fire during a storm. They didn’t even realize it until smoke started seeping through the ceiling. It’s no joke, and it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Document the Damage for Insurance

This one’s essential, especially if you want your insurance to cover the repairs. Once it’s safe to move around, start documenting everything—Snap photos of any scorch marks, damaged appliances, or burnt-out electronics. The more evidence you have, the better your claim will be. And don’t forget to include every little thing that’s fried — even the seemingly small stuff like your TV remote or microwave can add up.

Once, a friend tried to file a claim but forgot to mention the surge protector that got blown out along with his laptop. It cost him a chunk of change, all because he didn’t take inventory properly. Lightning damage can get sneaky, so it’s best to be thorough.

Prevent Future Strikes

Now that you’ve dealt with the aftermath, let’s talk prevention. A lightning protection system can help direct future strikes away from your home, keeping you and your property safer in the long run. You can also look into surge protectors for your electronics — they’re your best defense against power surges following a strike.

At Service Minds, Mister Sparky, we can help you set up systems that keep your home in Niceville, FL, from becoming a lightning target. From surge protection to lightning rods, we’ve got solutions that work. Because at the end of the day, why put up with any malarky when you can prevent future headaches altogether?

In summary, lightning strikes can be terrifying, but knowing what to do can make all the difference. Stay safe, call the experts, and don’t forget to document the damage for insurance. And when it comes to protecting your home for the future, Service Minds Mister Sparky is just a phone call away.