After a severe storm or lightning strike, your home's electrical system may have sustained damage even if the power is back on. Lightning can travel through wiring and destroy appliances, damage switchboards, and melt cable insulation. If you lost power during a storm and things aren't working properly afterwards — flickering lights, dead outlets, burning smells — call an electrician before using the affected circuits.
What to do right now
- 1
Don't touch damaged electrical equipment
If you can see physical damage to wiring, outlets, or the switchboard (burn marks, melted plastic, exposed wires), stay clear. Turn off the main switch at the switchboard if it's safe to reach.
- 2
Check your safety switches
Storms and power surges often trip safety switches and circuit breakers. Check your switchboard and try resetting any tripped switches. If they trip again, there's storm damage to the wiring.
- 3
Unplug sensitive electronics
Unplug computers, TVs, modems, and other sensitive electronics. Power surges from storms can damage these even after the storm passes, especially if power fluctuates during restoration.
- 4
Call an electrician for a post-storm inspection
If you suspect lightning struck your property, or if circuits aren't working properly after the storm, get an electrician to inspect the switchboard, wiring, and outlets for hidden damage.
When to call an emergency electrician
- ⚠️Lightning struck your property or very close to it
- ⚠️Appliances stopped working after the storm even though power is back
- ⚠️You can smell burning from outlets, the switchboard, or walls
- ⚠️Lights are flickering or dimmer than usual after the storm
- ⚠️Circuit breakers or safety switches won't reset after the storm
- ⚠️Your internet, phone, or data cabling stopped working (lightning can travel through data lines)
How much does it cost?
A post-storm electrical inspection costs $200–$400. If lightning has damaged wiring, repair costs range from $500–$3,000+ depending on the extent of damage. Whole-house surge protector installation (to prevent future damage) costs $300–$800. Insurance may cover storm damage — document everything and contact your insurer.