NEW YORK, May 15 /PRNewswire/ -- MS -- While most homeowners carry
flood or fire insurance, a commonly overlooked problem is lightning. Though
the chances of being struck by lightning might seem relatively small,
lightning actually strikes more than 250,000 times per year, resulting in
hundreds of millions of dollars in damages. According to the Insurance
Information Institute, lightning caused roughly $882 million in insured
losses in 2006, which marked a 20 percent increase over the previous three
years. Those figures are expected to exceed $1 billion in 2008, making it
more important than ever for homeowners to protect themselves against a
visually engaging yet formidable foe.
(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080515/NYTHFNS1 )
According to the Lightning Protection Institute (LPI), understanding
lightning is a good first step toward protecting oneself from its wrath.
-- Lightning is not deterred by surge arresters, suppressors and "whole
house protectors." Contrary to popular belief, surge protection
devices cannot protect a structure against direct lightning strikes.
While these devices are important components of a complete system to
protect incoming utility lines against infiltration, on their own they
do little to protect a home from lightning. However, when combined
with a structural lightning rod system (air terminals, bonding and
grounding) they can prove an effective means of protection.
-- Lightning rods do not attract lightning. Another myth commonly
associated with lightning is that lightning rods attract lightning. In
fact, a lightning protection system acts more as an interceptor of
lightning, rerouting a strike and providing a safe path to the ground
for discharging the dangerous electricity.
-- Lightning likes technology, too. As the world becomes more and more
tech-savvy, the losses from lightning strikes are increasing. Today's
homes and businesses have more electronic equipment than ever before,
and metal building components are on the rise as well. Internal
systems lead lightning toward more valuable, often irreplaceable items
and people in close proximity.
A lightning protection system provides a low resistance path to safely
intercept lightning's dangerous electricity and direct it to ground without
impact to the structure or it's occupants. And while the DIY boom has
increased the average homeowners' confidence in tackling projects on their
own, the LPI notes that installing a lightning protection system is one
home improvement job that should be left to the professionals, who are
fully aware of the safety standards established by Underwriters
Laboratories and the National Fire Protection Association.
"It is important to have an experienced professional install the
lightning protection system," says Bud VanSickle, executive director for
LPI. "Improper installation can lead to serious consequences, and in severe
cases may be worse than not having protection at all."
Recognizing the complexity involved with installing a lightning
protection system and the potential repercussions of an improperly
installed system, LPI certifies individuals through a Master Installer
testing program and offers a list of certified contractors on its Web site.
For a list of certified contractors and other information regarding the
national safety standards for lightning protection installation, visit the
LPI Web site at http://www.lightning.org. EL086919
SOURCE Lightning Protection Institute
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Related links:
http://www.lightning.org
Photo Notes:
NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080515/NYTHFNS1
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
Metro Editorial Services for Lightning
Protection Institute, +1-800-223-1600
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