Responding to a house struck by lightining

[x635 4,066]

Just curious, what are some protocols for checking a structure that has been, or suspected to have been, struck by lightening??

What are some things that you should check? Seems to be a call that's going out quite a bit lately.

[Guest alsfirefighter]

Unless there is active fire, you want to try to determine where the house was struck. This is basically an investigative type call. You want to check where the house was struck to ensure there is no overhaul needed, perform salvage where necessary and engure that the electrical system wasn't damaged. I've had numerous calls like this where the house was struck on the roof and the 2x4 web members of the truss roof system where split apart by the energy. Out of all of them I've been involved with about 2 or 3 had actual fire at the time of arrival.

[x242Steve 1]

If you have a Thermal Imaging Camera, a "Lightning Strike" is a perfect time to use it. Aside from seeing whether or not something's cooking, it is also great PR because homeowners (a.k.a. Taxpayers) are usually impressed and/or fascinated by the TIC.

[Guest]

Very Important........... If the house was actually struck you should advise the homeowner to call an electrician to check the house service, ground, panel and circuits. You may even need the services of the plumber depending on what was hit. They can find problems that would not be apparent to the average firefighter or officer.

[cas2383 22]

As the above posts have noted, TI cameras are great to show where that energy traveled through the structure, as to show where to investigate. To reiterate, Fire, structrual damage, as well as damage to the infrastructures (plumbing, electrical etc..) are all things that should be checked regardless if there is any apparant damage by qualifed personnel to minimize any hazardous condition caused by the strike. Surrounding buildings, objects (trees, sheds, neighboring houses, and adjoining utilities) should also be checked as well... you never know lightning strikes can damage a wide area.