Be Ready for Lightning Storms

When thunderstorms form in your area and you hear thunder, you are likely within striking distance of the storm. 

Thunderstorms can develop rapidly and without warning – often accompanied by lightning. Preparing now can help keep your family and home safe when lightning strikes.

Protecting Yourself in a Lightning Storm

Before the storm

• Plan ahead when going outside, so you can get to a safe place quickly if thunderstorms develop.
• Move inside to a safe place if the sky looks threatening or you just don’t feel good about impending weather conditions.
• Know the weather patterns in your area and listen to the weather forecast for any outdoor area you plan to visit.
• Stay inside if there is a high chance of thunderstorms.

During the storm

The only safe place during a thunderstorm is inside or in a safe shelter. If you cannot get to a shelter, you can help reduce the likelihood of being struck by lightning by:

• Avoiding open fields or the tops of hills or ridges.
• Staying away from tall, isolated trees or other tall objects. If possible, stay near a lower stand of trees.
• Spreading out if you are in a group to help prevent the current from traveling between group members.
• Keeping away from water, wet items and metal objects.

Keep in mind that a tent offers no protection from lightning if you are in an open area. Once you have sought shelter, avoid contact with corded phones, electrical equipment, plumbing, windows and doors because these items can become electrified if lightning strikes nearby.

After the storm

Wait 30 minutes after the last lightning or thunder before going back outside.

Protecting Your Home in a Lightning Storm

To protect your home and possessions from damage or fire due to lightning, you may want to install a lightning protection system. For the highest level of protection, the system should include:

• A lightning rod, connected to UL-listed copper or aluminum cable, to provide a conductive path for the electrical discharge to follow and disperse the energy safely into the ground.
• Electrical surge protection devices for incoming power, data and communication lines and for vulnerable appliances.
• Lightning protection for gas piping.

Remember that any lightning protection system you choose should follow the national safety standards and requirements of the Lightning Protection Institute, National Fire Protection Association and Underwriters Laboratories. To find a lightning contractor in your area, visit the Lightning Protection Institute at www.lightning.org.

Rising Cost of Lightning Damage

The financial impact of lightning strikes on homeowners continues to grow. According to the Insurance Information Institute, between 2017 and 2025, insurers handled an average of 69,187 lightning-related claims each year, paying out nearly $894 million annually. In 2025, both claim frequency and claim severity increased, with 61,986 claims generating $1.65 billion in losses and an average payout of $26,616 per claim. The highest concentrations of claims were reported in Florida, California, Texas, Georgia, and Alabama, and most incidents occurred during the late spring and summer months, especially from May through August.

More Information

Learn more about lightning safety from the National Weather Service or access the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s lightning safety brochure.

This loss control information is advisory only. The author assumes no responsibility for management or control of loss control activities. Not all exposures are identified in this article. Contact your local, independent insurance agent for coverage advice and policy service.