IINC Offers Advice On Coping With Fast-Moving StormsToday’s sudden thunderstorms have brought rain and lightning strikes to a large area of Southern California.
The Insurance Information Network of California advises residents to protect themselves during the storms and to take steps to protect their property when it is safe to do so.
For outdoor protection during these storms, the National Lightning Safety Institute recommends that you:
• Avoid water, high ground and open spaces;
• Stay away from all metal objects, electric wires, fences and power tools; and
• Don’t seek shelter underneath canopies, small picnic or rain shelters or near trees.
If indoors, stay away from doors and windows and do not use the telephone or any other electrical devices, including computers, television sets and headphones.
Between storms and only when it is safe, IINC recommends the following to protect your property from sudden storms:
• Clear rain gutters to prevent water backup;
• Drain about two to three inches of your pool water to avoid flooding;
• Inspect trees around the home to ensure they can withstand high winds; and
• To protect your car, avoid driving through pools of standing water; it can be difficult to tell how deep it is and could cause engine damage.
Typically, damage to home electronics from lightning-caused power surges and fires caused by lightning strikes are covered by the standard homeowners’ policy. However, flooding damage is covered only by a flood policy.
IINC has spokespeople to discuss storm and lightning damage and how to file claims for rain or flood-related losses. For more information or to schedule an interview, please call (800) 397-1679.
