FISHERS, Ind. -- As spring and summer storms roll across central Indiana, many homeowners have been left with damaged homes due to lightning strikes.
Last week a home in the Center Grove community caught fire after being hit by lightning, but experts said there is a tool you can use to keep your family safe during storms.
Capitol Lightning Protection, a Fishers family-based business, installs lightning protection systems on homes, high rises and businesses according to the national standard.
“If we put a system on according to that standard, we have approximately 99 percent protection for the building,” said Mark Benham, company owner. “Ben Franklin invented the lightning rod and he called it his most perfect invention and he invented many things so he was very proud of the lightning protection."
Capitol Lightning Protection uses copper and aluminum systems which allow the lightning strike to take the path of least resistance. They also install surge protector systems to guard appliances and electronics from a power surge.
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Lightning strikes the Earth’s surface about 100 times every second and causes $100 million in property damage each year.
In case of a thunderstorm, the National Weather Service advises you to:
- Avoid high or open spaces
- Go inside a large building or a home
- Don’t use any wired appliances
- Stay away from water pipes and faucets
