Lightning-proof your home for summer

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – It's the time of year again when lightning strikes in the atmosphere, and before you know it your home is at risk of getting hit.

It happened at a home Wednesday night on Pecos Way on the Southside. Firefighters were able to put it out right away.

There are some things you need to know to protect your home.

Mike Murphy, of American Electric of Jacksonville, says things home damage can be avoided if your home is equipped with a lightning rod.

"If you get a lightning strike, especially if it's close to or at your home, I mean, it'll save your life," Murphy said. "Save your life, your property, your equipment."

A lightning rod is just the beginning when it comes to protecting your home from Mother Nature. The electronics most important to you, such as your TV and computer, must be protected with a surge protector.

That's something Milton Moore has thought about a lot now that lightning season is here. For him, quality is what matters.

"You go in and get a cheap one, this is something that you get what you pay for," Moore said. "The more top quality of surge protector you have, the better it will be."

One of the most important things you can have in your home is an "entire home" surge protector. When lightning strikes, it takes the first hit, so all of your electronics are well-protected.

Those surge protectors can cost thousands of dollars, but the experts say they're well worth it.

Most important of all, you shouldn't wait too long before you lightning-proof your home.

"Don't wait, because lightning always travels on the edge of the storm, so it doesn't have to be raining," Murphy said.


About the Author:

Ashley Harding joined the Channel 4 news team in March 2013. She reports for and anchors The Morning Show.