According to the National Weather Service, lightning is the top weather hazard in Colorado. The state sees about three deaths and 15 injuries related to lightning annually.

These electrical discharges are more than just a danger to people. It could also harm local structures. One of the main concerns after lightning strikes a home is fire. The temperature of a lightning bolt could be anywhere between 15,000 to 60,000 degrees, based on assumptions by the NWS. This could easily start a fire in the attic or walls of your home and result in a major insurance claim.

Another risk is a power surge. Since lightning carries a voltage that far surpasses the 220-volt limit the average electrical system is made to handle, a lighting strike could cause irreversible damage. A single strike could force you to replace all the electrical wiring in your residence as well as your TV, kitchen appliances, and anything else that was plugged in during the incident.

What causes a home to attract lighting? When lightning strikes, it looks for the quickest route to the ground – sometimes it is through a tree, sometimes it is through a house. Remove any tall trees from around your home, and take down weather vanes, or other structures that could act as a lightning rod. Insurance may pay for the damage caused by lightning, but by reviewing your home and backyard, you may be able to reduce the risk of it happening in the first place.

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