Lightning Protection (insurance, house, live)

[Tinman313]

We all have been talking about what roof material too use. This should be considered. I have no idea where TN stands in Lightning Strikes. So I will throw this in for a topic..........

Lightning Protection Institute

[TnHilltopper]

For those in Middle Tennesse (Plateau) that have Volunteer Electric, and I'm sure other electric companies offer it as well, there are whole house surge protectors.

I was skeptical on their effectiveness but mine actually did its job when my house was struck and I didn't lose a single appliance or electronic item. Even if you do, it comes with insurance to cover a fair amount of loss and when tripped it emits a high pitched whine-buzzing sound. Cost like 5 bucks a month and is worked into the monthly payment.

Something you might want to consider.

[2mares]

I've never thought much about lightning striking the house. Several yrs. ago a local lady and her grandson got struck sitting on the porch watching a storm. Needless to say my grandson and I quit doing that. I have been out on trail rides when thunderstorms kick up and have been quite frightened holding onto a horse wearing metal shoes with lightning striking all around.

[vacation bound]

2 mares- I know what you mean about being on a horse with lightning. I used to work out in the storms here in Florida wheeling around a big metal stretcher getting patients out of big metal cars while the lightning is striking all around. Oh and did I mention the portable radio straped to my side. Now I know why I have so much gray hair!

[Tinman313]

One of many companies out their......

Surge Protection Devices - HomeTech Solutions

[gemkeeper]

Whole house surge protectors are a great idea - especially here in the SE where violent thunderstorms are the norm each summer.

Many people do not realize that using water in their homes, talking on a land line phone or having windows open to sit in the cross breeze also invite lightning tragedies.

Electricity tends to migrate to the water pipes, phone and electric wiring and will follow the air currents in your home. Do not take a shower or take a call from the gabby neighbor during a thunderstorm.

[Grizzlybear34]

My wife loves a good cross breeze. Will have to warn her about that one!

[alleycat]

Originally Posted by Gemkeeper

Whole house surge protectors are a great idea - especially here in the SE where violent thunderstorms are the norm each summer.

Many people do not realize that using water in their homes, talking on a land line phone or having windows open to sit in the cross breeze also invite lightning tragedies.

Electricity tends to migrate to the water pipes, phone and electric wiring and will follow the air currents in your home. Do not take a shower or take a call from the gabby neighbor during a thunderstorm.

Yes, a good thunderstorm is the only thing known to man that will actually make my mother get off the phone.

[TnHilltopper]

Originally Posted by vacation bound

2 mares- I know what you mean about being on a horse with lightning. I used to work out in the storms here in Florida wheeling around a big metal stretcher getting patients out of big metal cars while the lightning is striking all around. Oh and did I mention the portable radio straped to my side. Now I know why I have so much gray hair!

Having lived in Tampa for a while, I have learned an all new respect for lightning. I recall once in Clearwater while on a call after a storm seeing where lightning hit a metal door frame. It blew the light switch at the door, the alarm keypad clean off the wall and the wood trim around the interior of the door was cooked like charcoal in a few spots.

I admit that I did enjoy watching the water spouts on the bay though.

Originally Posted by Tinman313

One of many companies out their......

Surge Protection Devices - HomeTech Solutions

Great link Tinman, interesting.

[Tinman313]

Originally Posted by TnHilltopper

Having lived in Tampa for a while, I have learned an all new respect for lightning. I recall once in Clearwater while on a call after a storm seeing where lightning hit a metal door frame. It blew the light switch at the door, the alarm keypad clean off the wall and the wood trim around the interior of the door was cooked like charcoal in a few spots.

I admit that I did enjoy watching the water spouts on the bay though.



Great link Tinman, interesting.

That place every time I've fished their reminds me of Close Encounters of the third kind........ When the huge anvil head thunder storms roll across the bay it's time too go........you don't fool with Mother Nature !