Lightning.

[graciegirl]

We went to a presentation on lightning last night. It was arranged by our village and they invited a person who posts on this forum who calls himself "lightning".

This man is a villager, does not sell anything, and became interested in protecting his home after realizing that seven homes in TV have burnt to the ground due to lightning strikes in the last eight years..

He did his due diligence exploring the matter and contacted The University of Florida who has experts on the subject. He and a friend who is also not involved with selling any lightning protection have put together a power point presentation on lightning. Central Florida is the lightning capital of the United States. Their presentation involved myths commonly held and much factual and new to me information.

I dreaded going, thinking that it would be boring and also thinking the bottom line was that he owned something that would benefit him monitarily. NOT so. It was very informative and helpful and if you have a chance try to get him to come and speak to your group.

I learned that properly installed lightning rods can almost always protect your home from severe damage. I learned that secondary strikes were a different kind of lightning and required a different kind of protection.

He never mentioned any companies by name to contact during his talk but warned of door to door people who would offer you lightning protection that was inadequate or downright useless. He said they knew of three ethical companies in the area that were approved by Underwriters Laboratories (??) and the University of Florida but did not mention their names.

He recommends reading a book that is in our library here, written by the Lightning experts at University of Florida.

If any of you have questions for him, you can PM him. His name on this forum is Lightning.

He has written good articles about the subject for the POA and also the VHA newsletters. He is an ethical speaker with no hidden agenda in my opinion.

I hope he will read this and reply. I think his name is lightning but not 100% sure.

Our storm season starts June first. I just got an email that tropical storm 01 is now forming out at sea.

[Mikeod]

Modern Marvels on H2 (on Comcast channel 388 in HD) is showing a program tonight at 11PM called "Most Shocking" that has a section on lightning. I'm recording it.

[villager]

Thanks for the info, Gracie!

[asianthree]

Good Job Gracie thanks for the info

[pooh]

Our neighborhood social club also had a presentation by the same individuals, Gracie. It was very informative and enlightening. I do believe we had lightning rods Installed prior to the presentation, but it was still worth attending! Glad you enjoyed it as much as Mike and I did.

[ssmith]

it was enLIGHTENING hahahahaha!

[pooh]

it was enLIGHTENING hahahahaha!
LOLOLOL ....aren't I clever.....:icon_wink:

[cynkr67]

Good information. Thanks for sharing!!

[joannej]

Thanks, Gracie, for sharing this info! :-)

[Lightning]

If you observe or learn of a direct or indirect lighning strike causing damage in or around The Villages please let us know on this web site. Sometimes we contact the homeowner to determine if there are new lessons learned for use in our Power Point presentations, Lightning Tips for Villagers.

[skyguy79]

it was enLIGHTENING hahahahaha!I'll bet the next thing you'll tell us is that his last name is Rod! :duck:

[TomSpasm]

I've lived in Central Florida since 1984 - 20 years in the Tampa Bay area, 6 years in Sarasota, 1 year here. I have never met anyone, or know anyone who knows anyone, who's house has been damaged, much less burnt down by lightning.

Could it happen? Yes. Is it a smart investment? No. Just my opinion...

[graciegirl]

I'll bet the next thing you'll tell us is that his last name is Rod! :duck:

Joe. Pay attention. That is his FIRST name.:popcorn::icon_wink:

[NJblue]

I've lived in Central Florida since 1984 - 20 years in the Tampa Bay area, 6 years in Sarasota, 1 year here. I have never met anyone, or know anyone who knows anyone, who's house has been damaged, much less burnt down by lightning.

Could it happen? Yes. Is it a smart investment? No. Just my opinion...

The economic payback may indeed be subject for debate. However, had you been here for longer than a year you would certainly know of houses here in TV that have indeed burned to the ground from lightning strikes. Two burned down our first summer here three years ago.

[graciegirl]

I've lived in Central Florida since 1984 - 20 years in the Tampa Bay area, 6 years in Sarasota, 1 year here. I have never met anyone, or know anyone who knows anyone, who's house has been damaged, much less burnt down by lightning.

Could it happen? Yes. Is it a smart investment? No. Just my opinion...

Here in The Villages. There have been seven homes burnt to the ground in the last eight years. We live smack dab in the lightning capital of the U.S. However we can protect ourselves from direct strikes by getting lightning rods installed by an expert.

[CaptJohn]

Here in The Villages. There have been seven homes burnt to the ground in the last eight years.

That makes sinkholes/catastrophic ground collapse seem like a non event! :laugh:

[graciegirl]

That makes sinkholes/catastrophic ground collapse seem like a non event! :laugh:

Every place on this earth has it's natural disasters.

[jimbo2012]

Easy to do your self if handy, get the parts here (http://www.lightningrodsupply.com/index_files/page0001.htm), not rocket science.

I figured it out before I think it cost about $250.

Or add the cost of a handyman for days labor.

basic layout (http://www.lightningrodsupply.com/index_files/page0008.htm)

[graciegirl]

According to my back door neighbor who himself owned a large electrical contracting business, it is a little more involved than you might think. We need four grounds and one will be tied into the ground that comes with the house. They go into the ground at least ten feet. He says copper is better than aluminum.

We are right now evaluating people to do it and getting prices.

I won't let Sweetie climb on the roof anymore. I am too young to be a widow.

[Posh 08]

Every place on this earth has it's natural disasters.

Hmmmm, let me see.

1. Lightning capitol of the US

2. Sink Holes

3. ???

[hotrodgirl]

Lordy! Why did you have to go and tempt fate like that. You know what they say. Things happen in threes.....

[jimbo2012]

I won't let Sweetie climb on the roof anymore. I am too young to be a widow.

Ummmm, my wife holds the ladder.....wonder how tight :ohdear:

There is enough literature online to get a good proper layout, If you get quoted more than $750-$1000 ask for more info like how many man hours does it take etc.

To pound a few 8' rods into the sand there isn't to much of a task.

[graciegirl]

Hmmmm, let me see.

1. Lightning capitol of the US

2. Sink Holes

3. ???

According to Andrew Blechman....STDs.

[graciegirl]

Ummmm, my wife holds the ladder.....wonder how tight :ohdear:

There is enough literature online to get a good proper layout, If you get quoted more than $750-$1000 ask for more info like how many man hours does it take etc.

To pound a few 8' rods into the sand there isn't to much of a task.


Go for it.

[billethkid]

we are lucky the folks on either side of us bought the sales pitch and have them. The odds were against us getting hit in the first place. Now with two sets of lightning attractors on either side of us....we should be golden.

btk

[skyguy79]

Hmmmm, let me see.

1. Lightning capitol of the US

2. Sink Holes

3. ???Can you get insurance coverage for "???"? :duck:

[graciegirl]

we are lucky the folks on either side of us bought the sales pitch and have them. The odds were against us getting hit in the first place. Now with two sets of lightning attractors on either side of us....we should be golden.

btk

I thought so too..but..

And remember, these guys don't sell Lightning protection and will not give the names of people who do during their very well researched and presented summary of lightning . They are villagers who became interested in the subject when they moved here and found that the University of Florida has done a lot of studies on the subject and have been involved with those educators. You can call them later and they will give you three names of UL contractors but will not tell you who to choose.


According to the expert, Lightning, who was half of the team that gave the presentation, having homes on either side with lightning rods, didn't help several of the houses struck. AND all of the houses that burnt had gas lines.

[Pturner]

I'll bet the next thing you'll tell us is that his last name is Rod! :duck:

... Or that he electrified the audience.

[jimbo2012]

According to the expert, Lightning, who was half of the team that gave the presentation, having homes on either side with lightning rods, didn't help several of the houses struck. AND all of the houses that burnt had gas lines.

I read the unprotected house is often damaged by side-flashes.

[graciegirl]

I read the unprotected house is often damaged by side-flashes.

Yes. He discussed that as well and said that you needed to have a surge protection on your electrical box to protect from that form of lightning, bought or rented, and individual ones that were on each appliance.

You can PM him. His name is Lightning on this forum. He is very well versed and selling nothing.

[Dancing Queen]

Graciegirl or Lightning is the book called:
Lightning: Physics and Effects by Vladimir A. Rakov, and Martin A. Uman?

[jimbo2012]

You can PM him. His name is Lightning on this forum. He is very well versed and selling nothing.

tks, I will when I'm closer to building.

[CarGuys]

I'll bet the next thing you'll tell us is that his last name is Rod! :duck:

SKY!!!!!!! you are soooooooo Bad!

To tell you the truth I myself though Lighting Rods were a very good idea but that topic usually gets you zapped to death by anti- ROD -posters

[CarGuys]

Can you get insurance coverage for "???"? :duck:

??? Cougars
??? Gators
??? Coyotes

[Lightning]

Graciegirl is right on. The installation of a lightning protection system is more complex than you think. You must have a working knowledge of NFPA 780, Standard for Lightning Protection Systems, LPI-175, Design - Installation - Inspection of Lightning Protection Systems, and UL 96 if you are going to install a code compliant system. I know of only once case of a do-it-yourself LPS installation and that was by a former electrcian. Working on the roof is not easy and can be hazardous. Last year my golf instructor (in his 40s) was doing repairs to his roof, fell off, needed an operation, and was out of work for over 7 months. Play it safe and leave it to the professionals - especially at this age.

[lovesports]

A good friend in Hadley had his house struck by lightning last night.
Took out all his electronics.

[MLBellis]

My best friend dated a guy that installed the lighting rods....he told us that it was a scam, they sell and install them cause people get so scared that they buy them....he said that the rods are designed to attract the lighting.....I lived in Fl for 12 yrs, my friend hads been here for 48 yrs.... we have not heard of anyone get hit, just the ones with the rods on top of their home......Just saying....and, by the way, she does not go out with him anymore, she did not like the fact that he ripped people off.... just wanted to put in my two cents

[getdul981]

Lightning rods are perplexing to say the least. If you notice, all the major structures in the squares have them. All the structures at Disney World have them. It seems that if they didn't work, why would the developer and the powers that be at Disney World go to the extra expense. On the other hand, your home owners insurance will not give you a discount if you have them installed. 'Tis a puzzlement!

[jimbo2012]

They are not a absolutely must have item, but the piece of mind to some maybe worth the investment.

It's the type of add on that after it's installed you never look at like wood floors, landscaping or granite counter tops.

Installers get perhaps $1500-2500+ to do the work.

If you have the extra cash.......it will get you a "cone of protection" in the lightening capital of the US.

[fromct]

In the interest of adding some more 'officiall' info to the discussion, I found the following:

The Straight Dope: Did they ever prove whether lightning rods work? (http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/2776/lightning-strikes-again)

It's 'old' (2008) but, to me, the conclusion makes sense and echoes some of the other posts that state - how to get a proper install is the most complicated part of the decision.......

[2BNTV]

I for one will have lightening protection installed on whatever home I purchase.

Piece of mind is priceless.

[Fourpar]

I have it installed, and sleep better for it!

[fromct]

Lightning,

Do you have a presentation scheduled for August or September?

fromct

[NJblue]

I was at a presentation by Fire Chief Tucker and the topic of lightning rods came up. His comment was that if you are going to get them, have them done by someone who is UL certified. He said that improper installation can be worse than not having them at all. For the record, he does not have them on his own home.

[cgalloway6]

I was at a presentation by Fire Chief Tucker and the topic of lightning rods came up. His comment was that if you are going to get them, have them done by someone who is UL certified. He said that improper installation can be worse than not having them at all. For the record, he does not have them on his own home.


UL certifies products, I don't think they will ever certify a person or their capability. Maybe he meant UL certified lightning rod protection devices - if there is such a thing and installed by a licensed electrician.

[NJblue]

UL certifies products, I don't think they will ever certify a person or their capability. Maybe he meant UL certified lightning rod protection devices - if there is such a thing and installed by a licensed electrician.

No, he specifically said installers must be certified and at the time said that there was only one such installer in the TV area. I wouldn't expect a regular electrician to be trained in lightning suppression.

Edit:

Here is what UL says:
How the UL Lightning Protection Inspection Certificate Program works:

UL has made the process of obtaining an Inspection Certificate quick and easy. UL field representatives visit your location to check your lightning protection system after it has been installed. Initial inspections can take between one-hour and an entire day, depending on system complexity. UL Lightning Protection Inspection Certifiates are issued within 48 hours of the completion of the inspection or after variances are corrected.
• After the system has been installed, the UL Listed installer completes and submits the certification application.
• Your lightning protection system is assigned to a UL field representative who inspects the installation and instantly communicates the results electronically to UL and the installer.
• If necessary, a letter detailing any variances is issued to the installer. After variances are corrected, the installer resubmits the application for re-inspection. In some instances, system designs and variance corrections can be reviewed electronically.
• The UL Listed installer forwards the certificate to the premise owner, and posts the certificate on this Web site providing proof that the lightning protection system is in compliance with UL, NFPA, or U.S. government standards.
• Certificates must be renewed every five years.
• Contact your installer if the building changes structurally or if modifications have been made to the system during the five-year period that the certificate is in effect. Your installer can repair or modify the system and make arrangements to have it re-evaluated by UL to determine its continued compliance with lightning protection standards. This is required to maintain your certificate!


So, clearly there are UL listed installers.

From reading through the UL documentation and its complexity, I think those who plan to DIY are literally playing with fire.

[jimbo2012]

Well I don't think a fire chief would otherwise.

In researching this I find that te layout is all detailed online, the installation is fairly easy.

I like the roof rods that go thru the roof so the cables don't show on the roof.
Everything is attached in the attic where it is accessible.

http://www.lightningrodsupply.com/index_files/image108.jpg

Here's just one site (http://www.lightningrodsupply.com/index_files/page0008.htm) with info and parts, if you figure it out the cost is under $500 for almost any home in TV.

A home owner is permitted to install the protection.

http://www.lightningrodsupply.com/index_files/image454.jpg

http://www.lightningrodsupply.com/index_files/image452.jpg

Just my opinion.

[NJblue]

Jimbo,

Perhaps your view of Chief Tucker's concerns are valid in the sense that a fire chief tends to be on the cautious side. However, don't you think that a company that sells lightning rod equipment to the public for DIY installation is equally suspect in terms of making it sound simple? When it comes to lightning, I think I would err on the side of "cautious" rather than cheap.

[jimbo2012]

I understand your point completely, but when such an instillation doesn't require special tools or equipment to put together and satisfaction of building something your self makes sense it is worth considering if you're handy.

Look if you can find someone to do at a reasonable price let us all know, but seeing the way contractors quote around here I doubt it.

Life is about choices.

[Lightning]

History and research shows that you get no benfit from your neighbors lightning protection system. This is just another myth about lightning that we try to combat in our Power Point presentations to Village clubs, organizations, and area church groups.

[Rebel Pirate]

I've lived in Central Florida since 1984 - 20 years in the Tampa Bay area, 6 years in Sarasota, 1 year here. I have never met anyone, or know anyone who knows anyone, who's house has been damaged, much less burnt down by lightning.

Could it happen? Yes. Is it a smart investment? No. Just my opinion...

Insurance is a tool for financially "hedging your bet" in advance of a low-probability, high-impact event. You can buy it from a company that spreads the risk around to a large number of policy holders, or in some cases you can purchase/install hardware that reduces the risk of the adverce event.

Just because it's never happened to us, or a family member, or a friend doesn't reduce the risk. I've got a friend who built his home about 50 miles from the coast line on the gulf coast and didn't want to pay the exorbitant premiums the insurance companies wanted to charge. (He built his home himself...without a mortgage.) Since he didn't have a mortgage company to tell him insurance was a requirement, he chose to not have insurance. A hurricane destroyed his home. He rebuilt in the same spot...smaller this time. Still didn't buy insurance; he figured since it had already happened to him once, he was "good" for the rest of his life. A couple years after he rebuilt, another hurricane destroyed his home for a second time. He's rebuilt again...smaller home again (he's running out of money)...and now he has insurance.

I lived on Cape Cod for many years. One winter during a heavy snowstorm, we experienced a dramatic lightning storm. A neighbor and good friend who lived about 3 blocks away had his home struck by lightning. It did significant damage but luckily he was home at the time and was able to extinguish the fire himself. (The paper on the paper-backed fiberglass insulation caught fire.) If he hadn't been home the house would have burned to the ground.

Just because I've known people who have suffered some of the low-probability, high-impact events doesn't make it more likely it will happen to me. Just because you've never known anyone to suffer any low-probability, high-impact event doesn't make it less likely it will happen to you.

Insurance decisions should be based on likelihood of occurence (based on data) and the impact on you personally (based on data). How likely is it to occur? What is the impact on you if the unthinkable happens?

As I was retiring and contemplating whether a unique life-insurance product (that's available to only those in my industry) was a good investment I had a prophetic discussion with a friend/co-worker whose retirement date was a month after me. He said "How long do you plan to live? It's a great investment if you're going to die next month and a bad investment if you're going to live for another 40 years. So how good are you at predicting your future longevity?" We both bought the insurance. Six months later he died of a heart attack. That life insurance was a great investment for him. I hope to live long enough to make my life insurance decision a terrible investment.

Given that we're in the lightning capital of the US, I'll invest in whatever I can to protect my house from lightning...and will still hope it's never hit thus making my decision a bad investment!

[cappyjon431]

Not to be a Doubting Thomas, but where can we find the substantiation to the "fact" that seven homes in TV have burned to the ground in the last eight years due to lightning? I am certainly not saying it is not true, but I would like to see the evidence myself instead of relying on heresay and putting out hundreds of dollars for lightning protection. Perhaps I am cynical, but...

I have spent decades of my life in areas where the lightning storms were much worse than here (Bahamas, Belize, Panama) and the building codes were less restrictive than here and have only seen one home destroyed by lightning. In addition, I've spent over twenty years in south Florida (where they also have some pretty nasty lightning storms) and six years in Gainesville (just up the road) and do not know nor have ever met anyone whose home was destroyed or damaged by lightning. I am not saying it never happens, there is no doubt that it does, but I am saying that in my personal experience, the threat appears to be overstated. I certainly would like to see the evidence of these homes being destroyed--perhaps it would be enough to sway my opinion.

ADDED: I was curious so I thought I would do a little quick online research. A fascinating and well written article can be found here: http://www.bellaloopers.com/Documents/LightningProtectionLH07072007.pdf. The article raises some interesting points and does claim that two homes were destroyed by lightning in TV in 2006, although interestingly enough the documentation for this claim was not provided in the article's reference section.

[graciegirl]

Not to be a Doubting Thomas, but where can we find the substantiation to the "fact" that seven homes in TV have burned to the ground in the last eight years due to lightning? I am certainly not saying it is not true, but I would like to see the evidence myself instead of relying on heresay and putting out hundreds of dollars for lightning protection. Perhaps I am cynical, but...

I have spent decades of my life in areas where the lightning storms were much worse than here (Bahamas, Belize, Panama) and the building codes were less restrictive than here and have only seen one home destroyed by lightning. In addition, I've spent over twenty years in south Florida (where they also have some pretty nasty lightning storms) and six years in Gainesville (just up the road) and do not know nor have ever met anyone whose home was destroyed or damaged by lightning. I am not saying it never happens, there is no doubt that it does, but I am saying that in my personal experience, the threat appears to be overstated. I certainly would like to see the evidence of these homes being destroyed--perhaps it would be enough to sway my opinion.

ADDED: I was curious so I thought I would do a little quick online research. A fascinating and well written article can be found here: http://www.bellaloopers.com/Documents/LightningProtectionLH07072007.pdf. The article raises some interesting points and does claim that two homes were destroyed by lightning in TV in 2006, although interestingly enough the documentation for this claim was not provided in the article's reference section.


Cappyjon, Len Hathaway who wrote this article is "Lightning" that posts on here and who writes articles about Lightning for the POA Newsletter and he is one of the two men who gave the presentation I attended at our village potluck. I think if you were to contact the POA that they have probably kept track of the seven homes that burnt down here in the last eight years. I personally have seen with my own eyes the remains of three in the last four years.

[pooh]

Not to be a Doubting Thomas, but where can we find the substantiation to the "fact" that seven homes in TV have burned to the ground in the last eight years due to lightning? I am certainly not saying it is not true, but I would like to see the evidence myself instead of relying on heresay and putting out hundreds of dollars for lightning protection. Perhaps I am cynical, but...

I have spent decades of my life in areas where the lightning storms were much worse than here (Bahamas, Belize, Panama) and the building codes were less restrictive than here and have only seen one home destroyed by lightning. In addition, I've spent over twenty years in south Florida (where they also have some pretty nasty lightning storms) and six years in Gainesville (just up the road) and do not know nor have ever met anyone whose home was destroyed or damaged by lightning. I am not saying it never happens, there is no doubt that it does, but I am saying that in my personal experience, the threat appears to be overstated. I certainly would like to see the evidence of these homes being destroyed--perhaps it would be enough to sway my opinion.

ADDED: I was curious so I thought I would do a little quick online research. A fascinating and well written article can be found here: http://www.bellaloopers.com/Documents/LightningProtectionLH07072007.pdf. The article raises some interesting points and does claim that two homes were destroyed by lightning in TV in 2006, although interestingly enough the documentation for this claim was not provided in the article's reference section.

Here's info on two Cappy..... The Villages Voice (http://thevha.net/the-villages-voice?op=3&issue=9&article=139)
Will see if I can find more on the others.

[cappyjon431]

Cappyjon, Len Hathaway who wrote this article is "Lightning" that posts on here and who writes articles about Lightning for the POA Newsletter and he is one of the two men who gave the presentation I attended at our village potluck. I think if you were to contact the POA that they have probably kept track of the seven homes that burnt down here in the last eight years. I personally have seen with my own eyes the remains of three in the last four years.

Thanks Gracie. The POA sounds like a good starting point for gathering information.

Perhaps my cynicism stems from the fact that our local media is often reluctant to publish such "negative" information about TV and I am curious as to where this information was actually obtained. Fire department? Insurance companies? Even if a house burns down, without a report from the fire inspector it is still questionable as to what caused the fire. Lightning is certainly possible, but so is burning something on the stove, smoking in bed, faulty wiring, etc. I can't help wanting to dig a little deeper and find out the source of this supposed factual information--it's just not my nature to believe everything I hear or read. It doesn't mean it's not true, it just means I want to know where the info comes from, especially if it is contrary to my life experiences.

The article I cited above (from Mr. Hathaway) did bring up a very valid point--while the risk of a lightning strike is small, we all have a certain amount of risk that we are willing to live with. It is higher for some people than it is for others. Even if I accept the claim of seven houses in eight years, and assuming 60,000 homes in TV (just throwing this number out as the average number of homes in TV over the last eight years), this comes out to less than one house a year out of 60,000 houses. I'm no math wiz, but I think that comes out to a .00166% chance of my house being hit. Personally, I'm willing to take that risk and in the very unlikely event that my house burns down, I am covered by my homeowners insurance. It is a risk I am willing to live with.

[buggyone]

Personally, I am very happy that my re-sale home came with lightning arresters already on it. One more advantage of a re-sale is that something you normally might not buy is already on the house.

[Lightning]

There will be presentations for the Civil Discourse Club on Aug 20th and repeated on Aug 27th. Also check the Life Long Learning Catalog for a presentation on Aug 16th

[Lightning]

Please note that they have been installed on the new fire HQ on Morse Blvd and the former HQ on the fire station on Bonita Blvd.

[NotGolfer]

I wouldn't be a "doubting thomas" as I just heard on the local tvnews that Florida had over 1 million lightening strikes last year. We definately are the lightening capital of the world. We've been here 3 years and I believe I've heard of at least 3 homes burning here in The Villages from such occurances.
Read about it in The Sun.

[Lightning]

Seven house destroyed by lightning in the last eight lightning seasons:
2004 Royal Oak
2005 Calumet
2006 Poinciana (Kennsington)
2006 Poinciana (Golden Ridge)
2008 Sunset Ridge
2009 Virrginia Trace
2009 Sunset pointe
All reports are available from the VFD as they are public records.
The above does not count the six near misses of homeowners finding fire burning on their CSST gas line in the attic and shutoff the gas and the home was saved.

[cappyjon431]

I wouldn't be a "doubting thomas" as I just heard on the local tvnews that Florida had over 1 million lightening strikes last year. We definately are the lightening capital of the world. We've been here 3 years and I believe I've heard of at least 3 homes burning here in The Villages from such occurances.
Read about it in The Sun.

I am still a doubting Thomas. I'm a native Floridian (and have lived here most of my life) and I don't doubt that Florida is the lightning capital of the USA (not the world, as this is flat out misinformation). A million lightning strikes--sounds like a reasonable estimate--BUT--how many of these strikes hit residences?

Once again the question comes down to risk analysis. Assuming your claim of three houses burning from lightning in the last three years is true (I couldn't find this info in a quick search of the Daily Sun, but for arguments sake I will assume it's true) I would say that over the last three years TV has had an average of 75,000 homes (just an estimate) over the past three years. One home burning down out of 75,000 per year (3 in 3 years) comes out to a .0013% risk per year of my home burning down to a lightning strike. That is a risk I am willing to take. Worst case scenerio, my home gets fried and I have to rely on my homeowner's insurance to rebuild.

[cappyjon431]

Seven house destroyed by lightning in the last eight lightning seasons:
2004 Royal Oak
2005 Calumet
2006 Poinciana (Kennsington)
2006 Poinciana (Golden Ridge)
2008 Sunset Ridge
2009 Virrginia Trace
2009 Sunset pointe
All reports are available from the VFD as they are public records.
The above does not count the six near misses of homeowners finding fire burning on their CSST gas line in the attic and shutoff the gas and the home was saved.

Lightning, thank you for providing this information.:ho: Seven houses destroyed between 2004 and 2009. None in 2010 or 2011. 2012 is still in progress. I would certainly be willing to acknowledge that it looks like we can expect (on average) one home per year to be destroyed by lightning in TV. We are up to 90,000+ homes in TV in 2012. One home per year comes out to a .0011% chance per year of my home being destroyd by lightning. I will take my chances and live with the consequences.

[rubicon]

Can you get insurance coverage for "???"? :duck:

Prhaps, its called an all risk policy and unless it is exclued its included

[rubicon]

I don't doubt lightning is a problem here in Central Florida. and I don't doubt that even for just a piece of mind protecting against it would be worth the expense. However I am curious as to the eight homes that had burned down. Who is the authorityciting that all eight homes burned because of lightning. I know of at least two homes that burned because of faulty wiring. I also know of some homes burned partially or totally because of electric carts. so I was wondering if the 8 homes referenced are separated from these other fire losses?

[cappyjon431]

For me, this is simply a question of how I want to live my life. I have only been on TOTV for a short time and lived in TV for an even shorter time. During that time, I am always struck by how many of the posts on TOTV revolve around people's fears--fear of lightning, fear of sinkholes, fear of tornadoes, fear of hurricanes, fear of snakes, fear of alligators, fear of roundabouts, fear of the "evil" developer--the list is endless. I refuse to live my life in fear. I want to enjoy the years I have left not worrying about the "what ifs?"

That does not mean I am a daredevil or that I take unneccesary risks, it just means that my own personal philosophy is to enjoy life to its fullest, and I think this can best be achieved by not living in fear.

[graciegirl]

For me, this is simply a question of how I want to live my life. I have only been on TOTV for a short time and lived in TV for an even shorter time. During that time, I am always struck by how many of the posts on TOTV revolve around people's fears--fear of lightning, fear of sinkholes, fear of tornadoes, fear of hurricanes, fear of snakes, fear of alligators, fear of roundabouts, fear of the "evil" developer--the list is endless. I refuse to live my life in fear. I want to enjoy the years I have left not worrying about the "what ifs?"

That does not mean I am a daredevil or that I take unneccesary risks, it just means that my own personal philosophy is to enjoy life to its fullest, and I think this can best be achieved by not living in fear.

Well said, Jon.

I try to do the same and I worry about all the worriers.

[Lightning]

If you are still not convinced then get the NFIRS-2 Fire Report, under "D" Ignition coded ""73 Lightning Discharge" from the fire department. Each report will run 10 to 20 pages on the details of the fire and how it was resolved.

[graciegirl]

If you are still not convinced then get the NFIRS-2 Fire Report, under "D" Ignition coded ""73 Lightning Discharge" from the fire department. Each report will run 10 to 20 pages on the details of the fire and how it was resolved.


Lightning.

I am very sure of the validity of the lightning strikes and subsequent complete anilation of those seven homes. We are evaluating contractors right now to install lightning rods. I wish the better, copper ones, didn't cost so much more. I don't think we will ever get struck, but I know an effective lightning rod system and protectors from secondary lighting damage to the appliances and systems will make us sleep soundly.

I was greatly impressed with your knowledge of lightning and most of all of your unselfish time volunteered to share your information without gaining anything in return but satisfaction.

You and your partner and the presentation you gave was truly a help to all of us there.

You make this wonderful town of ours even better.

Many thanks.

Gracie

[perrjojo]

For me, this is simply a question of how I want to live my life. I have only been on TOTV for a short time and lived in TV for an even shorter time. During that time, I am always struck by how many of the posts on TOTV revolve around people's fears--fear of lightning, fear of sinkholes, fear of tornadoes, fear of hurricanes, fear of snakes, fear of alligators, fear of roundabouts, fear of the "evil" developer--the list is endless. I refuse to live my life in fear. I want to enjoy the years I have left not worrying about the "what ifs?"

That does not mean I am a daredevil or that I take unneccesary risks, it just means that my own personal philosophy is to enjoy life to its fullest, and I think this can best be achieved by not living in fear.

I am beginning to "fear" reading TOTV because I am finding so many things to fear. :ho: :mademyday:

[pooh]

I am beginning to "fear" reading TOTV because I am finding so many things to fear. :ho: :mademyday:
LOLOLOL.....:)

For most of us, there's nothing to fear....but knowing that lightning is plentiful in this particular part of the state allows one to plan what they will or won't do to help potentially minimize damage. When one lives on the west coast, one must be aware that earthquakes happen. You prepare your house to prevent furniture from falling on you. (Certain sounds still make me prepare for ground motion....:) ) In the heartland, tornados can be a problem.....some have storm cellars. Here we have lightning, well also tornados and sometimes tropical storms. It's always wise to know what we might face, make sure we're prepared and then....carry on with our lives.

[Lightning]

Graciegirl, thanks for your continued support for what we do as our cummunity service to eduate Villagers about lightning.

[graciegirl]

If you observe or learn of a direct or indirect lighning strike causing damage in or around The Villages please let us know on this web site. Sometimes we contact the homeowner to determine if there are new lessons learned for use in our Power Point presentations, Lightning Tips for Villagers.

I am bumping this thread and this poster. He is one of the two men who gives the presentation. If you want to ask him anything, just send him a PM.

This is on my mind because of the BIG electrical storm last night and coincidentally a house fire reported that appears to not have been related to it.

Jes tryin' to hep.