[ad_1]
According to data from the Lithuanian Hydrometeorological Service, more than 40 thousand lightning bolts. Most lightning strikes the country from June to August: 70 percent. days with thunderstorms occur during this period. The insurer BTA estimates that from the end of April to the end of July, 50% of the damage caused by lightning has already been recorded. more than last year.
“Generally, storms cause voltage fluctuations or sudden surges in voltage caused by lightning, which can damage even devices that operate on the power grid in standby mode. Such voltage fluctuations are dangerous for practically all electrical appliances, from kettles to water heaters or garage doors. When small appliances fail, it is often impossible to eliminate them, because repairing the device can cost much more than buying a new one, “says Andrius Žiukelis, Head of BTA’s Department of Experts.
Household appliances suffer
Televisions, computers and appliances suffer the most from lightning fluctuations. Washers, dryers, and dishwashers no longer turn on after lightning strikes, and refrigerators and freezers, coffeemakers, and other appliances used in the home stop working.
“The highest number of recorded cases of lightning damage was received in June of this year, after the San Juan weekend, when lightning storms hit the entire country. Among the recorded damages, we also recorded less frequent cases: after that lightning struck, the alarm system in the house and the electric gate to the patio stopped working, ”says A. Žiukelis.
The damage caused by lightning not only thins the wallets of the population, but also causes inconvenience: water pumps often fail after a lightning strike, leaving victims without water. There are also failures in water heaters and heating boilers. The latter are the most expensive: the highest damage paid this year amounted to 6.6 thousand. EUR due to a voltage pump due to voltage fluctuations.
“Of course, the biggest losses occur when real estate catches fire after a lightning strike. Fortunately, we only had one case this year where a lightning strike caused a fire. It is true that during it almost all of the residents’ properties were burned. , the walls of the house were burned. Among the events we have other examples, when the lightning discharge causes small fires that are quickly extinguished, for example, the cables of the TV antenna caught fire and the wallpaper attached to them, fortunately , the fire was noticed in time and did not cause great losses. ”Comments A. Žiukelis.
It is necessary to take care of the security of the property.
Insurers also pay attention to other consequences of storms: when the wind is strong, the roofs of residential and agricultural buildings are often damaged, fences are torn down, window panes are broken, trampolines are damaged and others. objects that are easily lifted outside.
“Before storms, we encourage residents to take care of the security of their property: close windows and doors tightly, easily pick up windproof items from patios, if possible bring or tie up furniture outside, put up trampolines and gazebos. It is very important to keep cars away from trees so that they do not tip over or fall on the broken branch “, advises A. Žiukelis.
It is also advisable to disconnect all appliances that are not in use before a storm and try to use them as little as possible during lightning strikes. It is true that high-quality electrical installation can protect against lightning-induced faults, but it is still recommended to leave only the systems on during the storm, which must be uninterrupted.
“It is very important to protect the house in case of departure for a longer period of time, to disconnect the TV, washing machines and other appliances from the electrical network so that the storm does not cause any damage. This is valid not only in summer, but also throughout the year: fluctuations in the voltage of electricity can be caused not only by lightning, but also by disorderly electrical installation, various failures in electrical networks or damaged underground cables due to construction and construction works of roads, ”says A. Žiukelis.
