The hazards of Thunder & Lightening

It was the second time running when I had to suffer some loss as a result of hazards associated with thunder and lightening.  My house probably was not well earthed, and the first time it happened to me all my electtronics were all affected, I had to coughed out unbudgeted substantial sum of money for their repairs.  That was last year, I thot I had remedied the situation until it happened to me again this year, even though my wife who was at home had contributed the habit of unplugging the electronic equipment as as it is raining, but this particular occasions, she was several seconds late. She had successfully unplugged the sitting room applicances, she was on her way to unplugged the bedroom, when lightening struck, thereby affecting my Decoder, satellite LNBs and of course the bedroom TV.

No doubt about it, the above occurence is one of many hazards associated with lightening and thunder.  One just needs to be careful especially during the raining seasons, that is why it is always advisable sometimes to pack besides the road when driving, until the rain stop or the thunder and lightening subsides.

There are three main ways lightning enters a building:
1. A direct strike
2. Through wires or pipes that extend outside the building
3. Through the ground
Once in a structure, the current from a lightning strike can travel through electrical lines, plumbing, phone lines,
and radio or TV reception systems. Lightning can also travel through any metal wiring or bars in concrete walls
or flooring.
AVOID CONTACT WITH CORDED PHONES Phone use is the leading cause of indoor ightning injuries. Cordless phones are safe, as long as lightning does not strike while you are removing the phone from the charging cradle.
STAY AWAY FROM WINDOWS AND EXTERIOR DOORS Windows and doors can provide a path for a direct strike to enter a home.
AVOID CONTACT WITH ELECTRICAL EQUIPMENT OR CORDS Direct strikes and power surges due to lightning cause significant damage to personal property each year. If you plan to unplug any electronic equipment, do so well before the storm arrives. Do not forget to disconnect
televisions and radios from outdoor antennas.
STAY AWAY FROM PLUMBING AND PLUMBING APPLIANCES Avoid contact with pipes during a thunderstorm. Do not take a shower or bath. Avoid appliances such as dishwashers, washing machines, and electric hot water heaters, since they utilize both water and electricity.
BE ALERT FOR DIRECT LIGHTNING STRIKES If your home, or a neighbor’s home is directly struck by lightning, call the fire department immediately! If your home has been struck by lightning, have the electrical wiring inspected by a qualified electrical contractor as soon as possible.