Lightning Rods
In 2004, sixty-two lightning fires caused 2.7 million dollars in damage to Minnesota homes and businesses. I'm Fire Chief, Randy Gust with some lightning safety advice. Reduce the risk of lightning fires, damage or injuries by installing a lightning-protection system in your home and placing an interconnected smoke alarm or heat detector in your attic. You'll sleep easier during summer storms...even through the thunder. A lightning-protection system in your home can prevent 99 percent of lightning damage and fires.
Lightning Rods and Lightning Protection Systems
Lightning protection systems neither attract nor repel lightning
strikes; they simply provide a safe electrical path, taking the
lightning's energy to the earth. Placing an interconnected smoke alarm
or a heat detector in your attic will give you more time to escape and
increase you chances of surviving a fire caused by a lightning strike
to your home.
All thunder storms contain lightning, whether or not you can see it. When thunder-and-lightning storms approach, seek shelter in large buildings or enclosed metal vehicles. Avoid high ground, metal object, water and open spaces. Once indoors, stay away from wires that are in contact with the outdoors, such as those in telephones, computers and headsets wired to a stereo system.
If you are stuck in a open field, crouch down and get low to the ground. But don't lie flat on the ground, and don't seek shelter under a solitary object, such as a tree, especially if it is the tallest structure in the area.
All thunder storms contain lightning, whether or not you can see it. When thunder-and-lightning storms approach, seek shelter in large buildings or enclosed metal vehicles. Avoid high ground, metal object, water and open spaces. Once indoors, stay away from wires that are in contact with the outdoors, such as those in telephones, computers and headsets wired to a stereo system.
If you are stuck in a open field, crouch down and get low to the ground. But don't lie flat on the ground, and don't seek shelter under a solitary object, such as a tree, especially if it is the tallest structure in the area.