Do you know what weather phenomenon kills more Americans than hurricanes and tornadoes? It's lightning — on average lightning kills more than 70 people annually and injures 300, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's National Weather Service. And lightning strikes cause plenty of property damage, too: Over $800,000 in losses from nearly 260,000 lightning-related claims in 2006, according to the Insurance Information Institute. That's an average of almost $3,500 per lightning claim.
Most of us know how powerful lightning is and that it typically sparks a fire. Standard Homeowners and Business insurance policies and the comprehensive portion of an Auto policy generally cover damage caused by lightning.
But look around at the number and value of the electronics in your home, such as flat-screen TVs, home entertainment centers, computers, gaming systems and other expensive devices — and then make sure they are protected.
The Insurance Information Institute offers tips to protect homes and businesses against power surges and lightning strikes:
Install a lightning protection system
Use surge protectors
Unplug expensive electronic equipment
Most of us know how powerful lightning is and that it typically sparks a fire. Standard Homeowners and Business insurance policies and the comprehensive portion of an Auto policy generally cover damage caused by lightning.
But look around at the number and value of the electronics in your home, such as flat-screen TVs, home entertainment centers, computers, gaming systems and other expensive devices — and then make sure they are protected.
The Insurance Information Institute offers tips to protect homes and businesses against power surges and lightning strikes:
Install a lightning protection system
Use surge protectors
Unplug expensive electronic equipment
