Stay calm and act quickly. If you suspect a lightning strike—even if you're unsure—call 911 immediately. Lightning is unpredictable and powerful, and what seems like a direct hit may actually be a nearby strike. That said, it’s always better to err on the side of caution. Local fire departments prefer to investigate potential strikes rather than risk an undetected fire or electrical hazard. Their inspection can help prevent further damage and ensure your home is safe.

No. Even if the fire department has cleared the scene, it’s not safe to re-enter until a certified lightning strike specialist has completed a full inspection. Lightning can cause hidden electrical damage that smolders undetected and may reignite hours—or even days—later. The fire department only checks for active fires/hot spots and can’t check for compromised wiring and circuits that could now be fire hazards.

This helps prevent compromised wiring from sparking a secondary fire. Additionally, safety systems like smoke detectors may have been damaged or disabled by the strike. If they’re no longer functioning, you could be left without warning in a life-threatening situation.