Crime & Safety

2 Monroe Homes Struck By Lightning Catch Fire: Report

One homeowner kept the blaze under control with a fire extinguisher until the fire department arrived.

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Wendy Ann Mitchell, Patch StaffVerified Patch Staff Badge

MONROE, CT — Monroe and Stepney fire departments responded to two house fires on Monday which were both reportedly caused by lightning strikes, The Monroe Courier reported. The homes are located on Bagburn Hill Road andCutlers Farm Road. No injuries were reported, the paper reported.

What can you do to protect your home from lightning strikes? Insurance company Cover Hound offers three tips on how to prevent your property from being damaged from lightning:

1. Use a lightning home protection system such as:

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  • lightning rods
  • main conductors
  • grounds
  • bonds
  • surge protectors

    • The Lightning Protection Institute, states that a combination of highly conductive copper and aluminum materials can be used to provide a low resistance path to safely ground lightning's electricity.

    2. Unplug electronics and appliances

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    An electrical surge can damage electrical and non-electrical appliances. Unplug any electronic devices or appliances in anticipation of a storm.


    3. Install transient voltage surge suppressors
    Transient voltage surge protectors are connected to computers and other electronic equipment to limit voltage to 1.5 times the normal voltage.

    See more on CoverHound.

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