How to protect your home contents from lightning
Imagine buying a brand new television only for lightning to strike and blow it? Don't let that be you...
Those who are lucky enough to have things like expensive televisions, DSTV decoders, and modems will know that the last thing you want to do is have to replace them - they aren't cheap.
That goes for all electrical appliances, really. Your hard-earned money was spent acquiring them, so why would you want to have anything bad happen to them?
In South Africa, particularly on the Highveld, extreme weather conditions bring lightning. This lightning can wreak havoc on your home's electrics, and in turn blow all your expensive items.
Some insurances do not cover lightning damage, so it is extremely important that you take precautionary measures to ensure your home is safe from any potential lightning strike or power surge.
Here are three ways to protect your home contents from lightning and serious power surges:
1 - Surge protector plugs
These little plugs are great and work 99% of the time. When I lived in Johannesburg, I used them after both my modem and DSTV decoder blew due to lightning. I did not have an issue after that point. They are also not too expensive, so you may be able to buy one for every plug point in your house.
2 - Chat to a lightning protection systems company
If you constantly find your house in the firing line of lightning, we suggest that you get an expert in to give you advice and provide you with professional solutions. These guys deal with this sort of thing all the time, and one visit from them is likely to save you a lot of money in the long run.
3 - Be aware of the weather
The most inexpensive way to keep your home safe is by just watching out for bad weather. If you know that bad weather is coming, simply unplug all your electrical items. This way there is no way they can be affected should lightning strike. However, you are not always going to be home to do that, so it is important to consider the previous two points. If you are going away for a period of time, consider unplugging everything bar your fridge - just so that you do not return to a nasty surprise.
Have you ever had any major issues with lightning? Let us know in the comments section below.
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