Don't be Shocked by Lightning-Related Property Loss

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In today's volatile economic climate, it's fiscally responsible to take every measure to protect the assets one has, particularly when so many are losing retirements, investments and jobs. A smart way to safeguard one of the biggest personal investments -- a home -- is to invest in a lightning protection system.

Did you know that there are over 30 million cloud-to-ground lightning strikes, each year, in the U.S.? Many times those 50,000* F strikes hit homes and businesses, resulting in more than one billion dollars in damage annually, according to Underwriters Laboratories Inc. (UL).

When homeowners purchase expensive electronics, such as their flat-panel televisions or home theater systems, lightning is probably furthest from their minds. They may worry about their belongings being susceptible to burglary before being concerned with Mother Nature. However, a single bolt of lightning can carry enough electricity to rip through roofs, explode brick and concrete and ignite fires. Home extras like irrigation systems, invisible fences, electric gates and sophisticated electronics can also provide a low-resistance pathway for lightning's destructive energy.

While some casualties of a lightning strike to a home are covered by insurance policies, not everything may be. Plus, expensive electronic equipment is driving up what insurance companies must pay out in claims, and in a tight economy companies may reconsider policies and coverage leaving homeowners responsible for damage control.

A lightning protection system is the best way to dissipate the dangerous electrical discharge to eliminate damage to the structure.

"Home and business owners needn't take their chances with lightning," says Bud VanSickle, executive director of the Lightning Protection Institute (LPI). "Property owners purchase a system knowing that they will not need it every day, but that it will be there to protect them when they do need it."

A lightning protection system works to channel lightning's energy and provide a safe electrical path into the earth for lightning's destructive energy. The home, its occupants, and personal belongings remain unscathed.

Homeowners need to be aware that installation of a system is not a do-it-yourself project. The non-profit LPI certifies individuals through a Master Installer testing program to maximize safety through education and offers a database list of certified contractors on its Web site. Only a certified installer should be hired to set up a lightning protection system.

For more information about safeguarding your home or business against lightning damage, or the Master Installer lightning protection program, visit the LPI Web site at www.lightning.org.