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In a flash: Tips to protect your home from lightning

In 2023, a total of 242 million lightning flashes occurred in the United States, according to the 2023 Annual Lightning Report by Vaisala Xweather. State Farm paid out nearly $230M for over 18,000 lightning-related claims in 2023, average just over $18,000 per claim. 

A natural phenomenon, lightning can cause extensive damage to ecosystems, property, and sometimes lead to death. Knowing and managing the risks associated with lightning can help protect your family and property. lightning arrester for home

If lightning is common in your area, familiarize yourself with ways to reduce risk before and during a lightning storm. For example:

Your best bet for stopping lightning damage in its tracks may be a  lightning protection system  tailored specifically to your home's architecture. Such a system creates a pathway for lightning bolts, guiding them safely into the ground.

Install lightning surge protection devices

Lightning strikes on or near a power line or utility service are a frequent cause of power surges. Point-of-use surge protection devices (SPDs), combined with a good grounding system, should protect your electronic and electrical appliances from most electrical surges. An SPD does not suppress or arrest a surge; it actually diverts the surge to the ground.

Service entrance SPDs provide protection for your entire electrical system and are usually installed at the electrical panel(s) or at the base of the service meter. These devices help prevent the entrance of overvoltages, which can cause a fire.  Surge protection devices  are typically installed in conjunction with a lightning protection system.

While there isn't a policy for lightning alone, your homeowners, condo, or renters’ policy can help get you get you back on your feet if lightning does strike. You can also contact your insurance agent if you have coverage questions about damage due to lightning.

For over 100 years, the mission of State Farm has been to help people manage the risks of everyday life, recover from the unexpected and realize their dreams. State Farm and its affiliates are the largest providers of  auto  and  home  insurance in the United States. Its more than 19,400 agents and 67,000 employees serve over 91 million policies and accounts – including auto, fire,  life ,  health , commercial policies and  financial services  accounts.  Commercial auto insurance , along with coverage for  renters ,  business owners ,  boats  and  motorcycles , is also available. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company is the parent of the State Farm family of companies. State Farm is ranked No. 39 on the 2024 Fortune 500 list of largest companies. For more information, please visit  http://www.statefarm.com .

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