Who hasn’t bounced when they heard lightning streak across the sky, followed by a deafening roar? When lightning strikes near your home, it’s not just the weather that becomes electric, but also your equipment… and sometimes with terrible consequences. Let’s explore together the crucial steps you need to know.
Why unplugging your devices is crucial
Although most modern homes are attached with circuit breakers and sometimes flow protectors, these devices do not assure complete protection. In France, as elsewhere, lightning can directly strike a building, a nearby tree, or, more often, power or telephone lines from a distance. The electricity generated can then travel along the cables to your meter and connected appliances.
Every year, many families suffer accidents: broken televisions, damaged refrigerators, and fried computers, often because of power surges caused by thunderstorms.
Electrical appliances to unplug first during a storm
As soon as the first weather alerts or the slightest rumbling sound appear, take a few minutes to protect your home by unplugging the most exposed devices:
- Televisions(most important), speakers, home cinema
- Computers, tablets, phones charging
- Oven, microwave, induction hob
- Washing machine, dryer, dishwasher
- Electric kettles, coffee makers, electric water heater
These devices are particularly susceptible to power surges. If you have outdoor installations powered by electricity (billboards, garden lighting, fountains), remember to also unplug their power.
If you have to leave your home before a storm, maintain a good habit: turn off and unplug everything that isn’t essential. This will save you a lot of problems when you return.
Some additional precautions to take
Even before the first lightning strikes the sky, build the habit of regularly examining the condition of your electrical system. Old wiring or faulty outlets significantly increase the risks during a storm.
If your home is in a flood zone, turn off the main power supply at the first sign of flooding, as water and electricity rarely blend well. After a flood, always have your installations inspected before restoring power.
Additional equipment for promoted security
Although turnning of appliances remains the most reliable measure, it’s a good way to install surge protectors and, if possible, a lightning rod. These devices offer additional protection, particularly useful in areas where thunderstorms happen frequently.
