Summer is fast approaching and we have already enjoyed exceptionally warm weather on several occasions this spring. The downside of the warm weather is thunderstorms and the associated lightning.
The start of the thunderstorm season in Finland is from late May to mid-August. Thunderstorms are the most dangerous weather phenomena in Finland. Its dangers include lightning, large hailstones, strong thunderstorms and flash floods caused by torrential rain. Lightning can kill, seriously injure or start fires when it strikes. Most commonly, thunderstorms cause material damage. For example, there have been cases where unusually large hailstones from a thundercloud have broken car windscreens. There is no need to fear, as long as you remember a few basic rules.
A good old-fashioned way to protect electrical equipment is to unplug electrical appliances during a thunderstorm. Simply turning off the power by pressing the power button is not enough. Today's technology is sensitive to lightning surges on the power grid. The most common types of equipment damaged by lightning are IT equipment, set-top boxes, fridges and freezers. The surges that damage electrical equipment can travel several kilometres over the electricity or telecommunications network to the electrical equipment in the building and destroy it. This can be avoided, for example, by using an extension socket with a surge protector or by using surge protectors attached to sockets to protect electrical equipment from damage caused by lightning.
It's worth getting a surge protector if you don't want to use the traditional method of unplugging all your electrical appliances during a thunderstorm. In new buildings, a lightning protection system can be built in advance to ensure that the building is protected against lightning.
Tips in case of thunderstorms:
- Switch off any electrical appliances that you can reach.
- Do not go into the water or swimming.
- Avoid open places when outdoors.
- If possible, move indoors in the event of a thunderstorm.
- Avoid using the lift in case of a power cut.
- Keep doors and windows closed during thunderstorms to prevent lightning from entering.
- Make sure you check the terms of your own insurance for thunderstorm damage before it happens.
Tips after a thunderstorm:
- Check the building's roof structures, chimneys and windows for possible damage.
- Clear clogged rainwater systems.
Storm damage restoration is always a job for professionals. You should not go out on your own to repair any kind of damage to the power grid. Repair work should be left to electrical professionals who are familiar with the dangers of electricity. We are prepared for thunderstorms and monitor the weather forecast around the clock. If you need an electrician or other assistance during or after a storm, call us on 0100 2470 we are on call 24/7 and are always ready to help you.
