One of Florida’s claims to fame is its role as the lightning capital. With a large population, warm weather, and close proximity to water, it comes as no surprise that the state would end up being a regular victim to lightning. If you are struck by lightning or have suffered property damage because of it, we can help you create and process your damage claim today. Not only will we guide you carefully through the process, but we will also be here if the claim is denied. We will not give up until you get the compensation you deserve. Additionally, if more damage comes to light after the claim has been closed, we will help you reopen the claim to address the new concerns at hand.
If you can hear thunder, assume lightning is close enough to hit you
Retreat to the inside of a building or a car with a metal roof and roll up the windows
Stay in shelter for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last sound of thunder
Do not come into contact with anything that gives you direct contact with electricity
Avoid all plumbing areas and stay out of pools
Back away from doors, windows, and porches
Do not situate yourself against concrete walls or floors
If you are stuck outside, move away from elevated grounds
Do not hide under trees
Stay away from outdoor objects that conduct electricity
Do not go to the beach
Do not do laundry or wash dishes
One of the best ways to protect yourself from the threat of lightning is to react quickly. As soon as you hear thunder or you notice the skies are darkening, you should go inside. When people delay their decision to go inside, they increase their chances of being hit by lightning based on their behavior. Go indoors and do not think twice about coming out until half an hour has passed after the last sound of thunder. Fight the urge to stay outside and watch the storm roll in, because you would essentially be risking your entire life to watch something you can now search online at any given time.
Immediately call 911. You can gently shake them to check on them. Some people believe you cannot touch a lightning victim because electricity could be surigng through them, but this is not true. You can safely touch their body to check on them. If they are not breathing at all, you should try to perform CPR. Be sure to clear their airway first, perform mouth-to-mouth resuscitation, and give correct compressions until help arrives.
Not only can lightning be harmful to your life, but it can wreak havoc on your property. When lightning strikes buildings, it can cause the entire structure to go up in flames if a fire starts. The same can be said about your home. Another major threat is the possibility that lightning can ruin the electricity running through your home. Best case scenario, you lose power momentarily. Worst case scenario, the electrical wiring of your home is now compromised and has to be redone entirely. Not only is this expensive and time-consuming, but your family will more than likely need to relocate for the time being.
If your home or vehicle has been damaged from lightning, we can file a claim for you. Contact us today at Keller, Melchiorre & Walsh to discuss your needs. We will work with you to determine the best solution for your situation, and we will be there from start to finish of this process.
