What to Do if Lightning Strikes Near Your Home (Electrically Speaking)

Summer storms can be intense — and when lightning strikes near your home, the electrical aftermath can be just as dangerous as the storm itself. Even if your home isn't directly hit, a nearby strike can still send a massive surge through your electrical system. Here's what to do immediately after, and how to protect your home moving forward.

🚨 Step 1: Check for Obvious Damage

After the storm passes, walk through your home (safely!) and look for:

Burnt outlets or a strange smell

Flickering or unresponsive lights

Tripped breakers or a totally dead circuit

Electronics that no longer power on

⚠️ Step 2: Don’t Touch the Panel Right Away

If you suspect a surge happened, avoid your breaker panel until you know it’s safe. Lightning can damage breakers and wires inside the panel. If it's buzzing or smells like burning, call a licensed electrician before opening anything.

🔌 Step 3: Unplug Sensitive Electronics

Power surges from lightning can hit even after the storm is over. If possible, unplug devices like:

TVs and computers

Routers and modems

Gaming consoles

Smart home hubs or speakers

Bonus Tip: Surge protectors help, but whole-home surge protection installed at your panel is even better.

🧰 Step 4: Schedule an Electrical Inspection

Lightning surges can damage:

Breakers

Wiring inside your walls

Appliances like A/C units or fridges (especially their control boards)

You might not see the damage immediately, but it could show up weeks later. An inspection can catch issues early.

🛡️ How to Protect Your Home Next Time:

Install whole-house surge protection

Avoid using major appliances during storms

Make sure your home’s grounding system is up to code

Keep outdoor electronics disconnected when not in use

✅ Final Thought:

Lightning is unpredictable — but your electrical safety doesn’t have to be. If a storm rolled through and you're unsure about your system, it’s always better to get it checked. You protect your roof from leaks — protect your panel from shocks.