The storm season is coming. Heavy rainfall, strong winds and lightning pose a threat to both the building itself and its equipment. How to protect yourself from storms? Check out our guide!
Lightning can pose a serious threat to the safety of the residents
© Oknoplast
Safe home
There are several ways to reduce the risk of damage from extreme weather. First, carefully inspect the condition of your roof and repair any loose or damaged components. Also, make sure that all gutters are clear and will be able to effectively drain water during heavy rainfall. Garage doors are also important. They should be reinforced so that they can withstand strong gusts of wind. Use tempered glass and exterior blinds to protect your windows form hail and other extreme weather events.
Repair any cavities in the roof
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A lightning strike can burn through all equipment connected to the electrical system, and thus even cause a fire. That is why it is extremely important to properly protect electrical equipment. During a thunderstorm, be sure to turn off all household and consumer electronics equipment and unplug them. Install surge arresters in the main electrical panel. These devices protect the installation from sudden voltage spikes. You can also install surge strips.
During a storm, turn off all electrical appliances
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Lightning protection system or lightning rod?
A lightning protection system is a comprehensive system that protects a building from the effects of lightning. A lightning rod, on the other hand, is only a part of such an installation. Thus, for full protection of the building, it is necessary to install the entire system. Such an installation consists of three main components: the aforementioned lightning rod, discharge wires and grounding.
Lightning protection system will protect the house from the effects of lightning
Photo: Photoangel © Freepik
The lightning rod protects the house from direct lightning strikes by intercepting the lightning discharge. It usually consists of metal rods, poles or wires placed on the highest points of the building.
The discharge wires are placed on the outer walls of the building. They conduct the current from a lightning strike from the short-circuits to the ground. They should be spaced evenly around the house.
The grounding conductor safely carries the electric current to the ground. A vertical ground is a metal rod, pipe or other conductor driven into the ground. A horizontal ground is a conductor buried in the ground. It can be either a steel strip or wire. A foundation ground is part of the building foundation.
According to the polish building law, a lightning protection system must be installed on any residential building with an area of more than 500 m² and a height of more than 15 m². However, the size of the house doesn't matter if the building is made of flammable materials such as wood or is located in an area with an increased risk of storms.
Additional safeguards
What if a thunderstorm is really dangerous or extreme weather lasts for a long time? It's a good idea to prepare for such an eventuality and equip your home with certain amenities. Buy a power generator that will allow you to maintain electricity in case of a grid failure. Stock up on flashlights, batteries and other portable light sources. Keep them in easily accessible places. Store important documents and valuables in waterproof containers.
A generator will keep you supplied with power even during grid problems
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Don't forget about the garden!
A safe garden must, above all, be well maintained. Regularly trim branches that may fall on the house and remove diseased or dead trees. Before the storm arrives, hide or secure garden furniture, flower pots, grills and other items that can be carried away by strong winds.
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Compiled by:KATARZYNA SZOSTAK
