Lightning Protection

Lightning Protection

It's been said, Central Florida is the lightning capital of the world!

I'm not sure if that's true but Orlando sure has a lot of thunder and lightning storms with accompanying lightning strikes. Experiencing my first summer lightning storm years ago, was like something out of a Hollywood horror movie. Frankly, your first Florida storm is an unbelievable experience, unless you are the witness.

One storm can have 1,000's of lightning strikes! Listen to somebody that's actually grown up in Central Florida and they have a healthy respect for storms and you should too.

Beyond personal protection like not taking a bath or shower during an electrical storm, what else do I recommend to my homebuilding Clients?

There are quite a number of issues regarding home protection and it depends upon how much you want to spend. 

Protection of the homes structure and electronics is one option. Lightning rods are the way to go for protecting the physical house but protecting electronics is a bit more difficult and grows more so over the years. 

I remember visiting Florida relatives in the 1960's when unplugging the TV and the toaster was common practice. The number of sensitive electronic devices was quite limited. Now days, there are lot's of items that can get damaged, multiple TV's and computers, air conditioner, printers, the list goes on and on. You quickly find out just how many items can get damaged if your home is struck.

The problem with lightning protection, your home doesn't have to get hit for you to loose $1,000's worth of gear. A tree or transformer can get hit 100's of feet from your house and follow a ground rod or electrical wire into your home.

The main power line, phone, cable, DSL and broadband all need to be  protected. A builders low voltage subcontractor can address most of the interior electronic issues. That leaves the structure and the main power line. The power company sells a monthly service that protects your home from power surges and a lightning rod installation company can help you protect your home structure.

Sure, we all have homeowners insurance but do you really want to deal with replacing all the gear and accompanying increase in insurance rates?