It’s Lightning Season, too
Summer is storm season, and our downpours are sensory overloads with the crackling of lightning and thunderous reverberations. (I wrote that first sentence, then unplugged my computer to protect it from lightning – really!) Next week is National Lightning Safety Awareness Week – June 21-27. FEMA calls lightning one of the deadliest weather phenomena. Last year, 28 people were killed by lightning and hundreds were injured. So far this year, there have been 14 lightning fatalities, including two people from Florida. If you can hear thunder, lightning is in the area. Don’t take chances; take cover. Damage from lightning is covered under your homeowners’ insurance policy. Costs of the average claim from lightning damage are nearly double what they were three years ago – because we have bigger TVs, more electronics and multiple computers in our homes. Yes, you’re covered – and pulling the plug on the electronics in a lightning storm still works! For personal lightning safety tips, go to the National Lightning Safety Institute.