LIGHTNING AND FIRE STATISTICS

The Insurance Information Institute is a website designed to improve the understanding of insurance and its processes.  Here are some interesting statistics they recently shared pertaining to lightning:

According to an analysis by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), local U.S. fire departments responded to an average of 22, 600 fires per year from 2007 to 2011. These fires caused an average of nine civilian deaths and $451 million in direct property damage per year. Home fires accounted for 19 percent, non-residential structures, including businesses and other non-residential properties accounted for 7 percent, vehicle fires accounted for 1 percent, and outdoor and unclassified properties accounted for the remaining 73 percent.
Lightning fires in non-residential properties caused an average of $108 million in direct property damage each year per the survey.

The average annual damage in non-residential properties included:

  • $28 million in storage facilities
  • $22 million in places of assembly, such as houses of worship and restaurants
  • $19 million in non-home residential properties such as hotels and motels
  • $15 million in mercantile and business properties such as offices, specialty shops and department stores
  • $15 million in industrial and manufacturing facilities
  • $3 million in outside properties
  • $3 million in educational and healthcare facilities
  • $3 million in miscellaneous properties

The two months reported to have the most significant damage due to lightning strikes were June and July.
Damage or loss due to lightning can cause major financial burdens. Help protect your assets by ensuring that your belongings are adequately covered under your insurance policy and adding protection systems whenever possible.

Our certified and knowledgeable Public Adjusters at messtx.com understand the significance of these kinds of losses. They are experienced in negotiating with insurance companies and handle your claim from start to finish.