As first responders, firefighters play a critical role in lightning safety and the lightning protection education process. The Lightning Protection Institute (LPI) has made a commitment to support firefighters by sponsoring a “Campaign to Help Build Lightning Safe Communities.” This is a continuation of LPI’s recent initiative to provide lightning protection resources to the public and the fire safety community. LPI-certified master installer firms are participating in the campaign to provide complimentary lightning protection systems for designated fire stations in several high risk lightning regions of the U.S. including: Chicago, Minnesota, Dallas and Toledo. LPI organized the campaign donations when outreach with the fire safety community revealed that many stations across the country were lacking lightning protection systems to protect their personnel, structures and equipment.
So what kind of problems does this weather threat cause for fire
- LPI Member Firm, Bonded Lightning Protection, provided a complimentary lightning protection system for Austin Fire Station #37 in June of 2011.
stations? Common lightning problems include failures of internal building systems, damage to expensive electronics and fire-protection equipment, and in worse case scenarios, structural fires. Fortunately, lightning protection systems can provide critical security for fire stations and other service structures.
According to a 2010 NFPA analysis, titled “Lightning Fires and Lightning Strikes,” fire departments in the U.S. responded to an estimated 24,600 lightning fires per year from 2004 to 2008. These fires were responsible for civilian and firefighter deaths, injuries and approximately $407 million in preventable property damage. Statistics for lightning fires are typically obtained from surveys and voluntary reporting sources. Since reporting is voluntary, the actual number of lightning fires is believed to be much higher than the estimated reports.
Part of LPI’s campaign message is to remind fire professionals to include information about lightning incidents in their NFIRS and NFPA reports where relevant. LPI believes accurate reporting can help alleviate apathy against a destructive weather hazard and increase awareness about a preventable fire risk. Fire safety professionals may also want to refer to the NFPA 780 Standard for the Installation of Lightning Protection Systems which is a valuable resource for reducing lightning risks.
Contact LPI for more information about the Lightning Safe Communities Campaign. Through awareness, education and partnership, LPI will continue its mission to help build lightning safe communities!
