In Canada, more than two million lightning strikes hit the ground every year. While the chances of one striking your house are low, it’s not impossible. From fires hidden inside the walls to fried electronics, the aftermath of a lightning strike can be costly and difficult to navigate. 

If your house gets struck by lightning, knowing what to do next is just as important as having the right home insurance coverage. Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do in the aftermath of a lightning strike. 

Key takeaways

If your home gets struck by lightning, take these steps:

• Call 911 if there’s immediate danger 
• Shut off the power (if it’s safe to do so)
• Inspect your home for visible damage or hazards
• Take photos and videos to document any damage
• Notify your utility company about electrical issues
• Take steps to prevent further damage
• Contact your home (and car) insurance provider, if necessary 
• Begin necessary repairs
• Keep all estimates and receipts 
• Take preventative measures to protect your home from future strikes

Step 1: Call 911 if there’s immediate danger

If you see fire, smell smoke, notice downed power lines, or if anyone is injured, call emergency services right away. Don’t try to put out a fast-moving fire yourself, and stay clear of any fallen wires. Then, when emergency responders arrive, follow their instructions before re-entering your home.   

Step 2: Shut off the power, if it’s safe to do so

Lightning often causes power surges that can spark fires or damage electronics. Turning off your home’s electricity can prevent further problems, but only if you know how to do so safely. If you’re able to reach the main breaker without stepping in water or touching anything that’s been damaged, switch it off. But if it looks risky, leave it to a professional.   

Step 3: Inspect for hazards and signs of lightning damage

Once the storm has passed and it’s safe to return, inspect both the inside and outside of your home for damage. Lightning doesn’t always leave noticeable scorch marks; sometimes the damage can be hidden inside walls or in the attic, creating the risk of delayed fires.  Some signs of lightning damage to look for include: 

• Scorch marks on siding or walls
• Cracked chimneys or brickwork 
• Holes in the roof
• Shattered windows
• Melted outlets
• Tripped breakers
• The smell of burning plastic 
• Electronics that no longer work

Step 4: Take photos and videos of your findings

Before moving or cleaning anything, record the damage. Take wide photographs of the overall scene, then close-ups of details like burn marks and scorch marks on the siding or roofing. Don’t forget interior areas like attics and breaker panels.   

Step 5: Alert your local utility company about power issues

If you smell gas, suspect wiring damage, or see downed power lines nearby, call your electricity or gas provider right away. They may need to cut power to your home or the area to prevent further hazards.   

Step 6: Prevent further damage

Until your insurer gives you the go-ahead for permanent repairs, do what you can to protect your home from further damage. Some temporary measures you can take to avoid worsening the damage include:

• Cover broken windows with tarps or plywood
• Use tarps to protect roof openings
• Move undamaged items away from wet or damaged areas
• Remove standing water if safe (avoid using electronics in water)
• Keep receipts for any supplies or emergency repairs

Step 7: Contact your home insurance provider

In Canada, lightning damage is usually covered under standard home insurance policies, but the details may vary. Most policies cover structural damage, personal belongings, and fire damage caused by lightning. However, coverage for power surges, fried electronics, and spoiled food in the refrigerator during power outages depends on your policy and provider. 

If your home is uninhabitable, standard home insurance policies also include additional living expenses coverage, which helps cover the costs of temporary housing and meals while your home is being repaired. 

If you choose to file a claim with your insurance company, be ready to provide photos, videos, receipts, and any reports you’ve filed with your utility company.   

Step 8: Contact your car insurance provider, if necessary

If a tree or branch struck by lightning falls on your vehicle, you’ll need to contact your car insurance provider, as this damage won’t be covered under your home insurance policy. Comprehensive auto coverage in Canada usually includes lightning damage, but without it, you might not be able to make a claim.   

Step 9: Begin repairs

Only start permanent repairs after your insurance provider gives you the go-ahead. Depending on the situation, they may send an insurance adjuster to assess the damage first.   

Step 10: Save all estimates and receipts

Keep all documents related to your claim, including receipts for emergency purchases, contractor estimates, invoices, and correspondence with your insurer. Take photos of paper receipts and back everything up digitally in case the originals get lost.   

Step 11: Take steps to protect your home from future strikes

While you can’t prevent lightning from striking your home, you can take steps to limit the damage it causes. Simple precautions, such as unplugging electronics during storms or using surge protectors, can help protect your most valuable devices. For longer-term protection, consider some more permanent measures, such as: 

• Mounting a lightning rod on the roof to give lightning a path to travel without damaging your home
• Hiring a licensed electrician to install whole-home surge protection at your electrical panel
• Investing in a professionally installed grounding system that redirects lightning strikes safely into the ground

Next steps

Lightning striking your home can be scary, unexpected, and expensive to deal with. However, having the right home insurance coverage makes all the difference. A strong policy can cover structural repairs, replace your belongings, and even pay for temporary accommodations. 

At YouSet, we make it easy to compare home insurance policies, so you can find coverage that fits your needs. Taking a few minutes to review your policy today could save you a lot of stress (and money) if the unexpected ever happens.