Lightning Strike Causes Fire Damage in Chicago

3/1/2022 (Permalink)

When jolted by a fire damaging lightning strike to your Chicago home--call SERVPRO--We're Faster To Any Size Disaster

Chicago Fire Damage Cleanup by SERVPRO

Thunder and lightning are frequent accompaniments to the torrential rains experienced lately in northern Illinois. Lightning strikes that cause residential fires are rare but serious. If it happens to you, a clear action plan must be developed and followed immediately. After the firefighters leave your home, still standing but damaged, depend upon SERVPRO to help.

Being jolted out of bed by the flash and rumble of a thunderstorm is annoying but adding fire damage in your Chicago home from a lightning strike makes it worse. Now you have a bona fide disaster on your hands. Reach out to us, and we respond with a full range of fire restoration services provided by highly qualified technicians.

Lightning typically strikes the highest point on a building, making attic fires among the most common related to this cause. The energy of the lightning also damages plumbing, wiring, and electronics, conducted throughout your home via these utility lines. Even when the fire department quells the flames quickly, secondary fire damage spreads throughout your home. SERVPRO has an effective strategy for every issue:

We assess charred framing and rafters in the attic, arranging for replacement if the damage is severe, or cleaning with proper solvents and abrasive scrubbers if minimal.

• We look closely at the insulation in the area of the fire. Damage to insulation is typical if water was used to extinguish the fire. Our SERVPRO crew chief can scope the damage and determine what to replace or discard.
• We contain soot and other residue and thoroughly remove it from surfaces using dry or wet techniques depending on the porosity of the materials affected.
• We inspect HVAC systems to ensure odors and debris experience limited distribution. Cleaning and sealing the interior of the venting is one technique that works.
• We evaluate lingering fire-related smells and deodorize following best practices taught during the comprehensive fire restoration curriculum our ICCRC certified techs master and review regularly.

The energy of the lightning travels along with communication, electrical, and plumbing systems inside your home, damaging them and appliances and electronics attached. Our SERVPRO project managers work with your insurance company and other contractors to get all of these essential services back up and running, “Like it never even happened,” whenever possible.

Recover from the shock of a lightning strike fire by partnering with SERVPRO of Marquette Park / West Lawn / Ford City. Begin the journey back to preloss condition with a call to (773) 337-3993.