The short answer
Check for Injuries and Hazards
After a lightning strike, your first priority is safety. Check everyone in the home for injuries, including burns, tingling, or hearing loss. If anyone feels unwell, see a doctor right away. Do not touch electrical wires or appliances until you are sure the power is off at the main breaker.
Smell for gas. If you detect a leak, leave the house immediately and call the gas company from a safe distance. Also look for visible damage like scorch marks, broken glass, or fallen debris. Your safety matters more than saving belongings, so do not enter a room that looks structurally unsafe.
Document the Damage for Your Claim
Once it is safe, walk through your home and take photos and videos of every damaged area. Include close-ups of scorch marks, cracked walls, and water stains. Write down the date and time of the strike. This record helps your insurance company understand what happened.
Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Review your policy to see what lightning damage includes. Some policies cover surge damage to electronics, while others do not. If you have questions, contact your insurance company directly for clarification.
Bullet list of items to document:
- Scorch marks on walls, ceilings, or floors
- Cracked or shattered windows
- Water stains or damp spots
- Damaged electronics or appliances
- Smoke or soot residue
- Any visible structural cracks
Dry Out Water-Affected Areas
Lightning often causes water damage through roof breaches or burst pipes. If you see standing water or damp drywall, start drying the area immediately. Open windows, run fans, and use a dehumidifier if you have one. Move furniture and rugs out of the way to prevent further soaking.
Do not try to remove large amounts of water yourself if the area is large. The pros have the right equipment to extract water and dry out walls and floors. For small spots, you can use towels and a wet-dry vacuum, but act fast to limit mold growth.
Bullet list of quick drying steps:
- Turn off electricity in affected rooms
- Remove wet carpets and padding
- Lift furniture off wet floors
- Use fans and dehumidifiers
- Open cabinets and drawers to air out
- Discard soaked insulation or drywall
Address Mold Risks Right Away
Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours in damp conditions. If you have wet drywall, carpet, or insulation, you may need to remove it to prevent mold. For porous materials that cannot be dried quickly, removal is often the only safe option.
A mold professional can test for hidden mold in walls or under floors. If you see visible mold, do not disturb it, as spores can spread. Keep the area sealed off and call a mold professional for safe removal. The pros can also handle mold cleanup as part of the drying process.
Repair and Restore Your Home
After drying and mold prevention, you can focus on repairs. This may include replacing drywall, fixing electrical wiring, or repairing a roof. An electrician should check all wiring and outlets for damage before you turn the power back on. A roofer can assess and fix any roof breaches.
For visible water damage like stains or sagging ceilings, you may need drywall repair and repainting. If flooring is warped or soaked, removal and replacement might be necessary. The pros can guide you through the repair process and help you decide what to salvage versus replace.
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Call Now (480) 898-4279Frequently asked questions
What should I do immediately after a lightning strike?
Check for injuries and call 911 if anyone is hurt. Shut off gas and water if you suspect a leak. Document damage with photos and notes. Then, begin drying any wet areas and call the pros for help.
Can a lightning strike cause water damage?
Yes, lightning can cause roof damage that lets rain in, or it can knock out pipes and appliances, leading to leaks. Water damage may not be obvious at first, so inspect your attic, ceilings, and walls for damp spots.
How long does it take to dry out a house after water damage?
Drying time varies based on the extent of water, materials, and airflow. Small areas may dry in a few days, but large areas can take a week or more. Professional drying equipment speeds up the process, so act quickly to prevent mold.