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uk Home & property emergencies

What to do if…
lightning strikes your home and the electrics start behaving strangely

Produced and maintained by PanicStation.org Published: Last reviewed: Editorial policy UK guide

Short answer

If there is smoke, fire, active sparking, loud crackling or a strong burning smell suggesting fire, get everyone out, stay out and call 999. Otherwise, stop using the affected electrics and arrange for a registered electrician to inspect and test the installation as soon as possible.

Do not do these things

  • Do not touch any socket, switch, cable, appliance or consumer unit that is wet, scorched, buzzing, crackling, smoking, sparking or unusually hot.
  • Do not keep resetting a circuit breaker or RCD that trips.
  • Do not repeatedly switch lights or appliances on to test them.
  • Do not unplug damaged equipment or remove electrical covers.
  • Do not use water on an electrical fire or try to tackle the fire yourself.
  • Do not go outside to inspect the roof, meter, cables or other damage while lightning is still nearby.
  • Do not return for possessions after leaving because of smoke or fire.

What to do now

  1. Check for immediate danger without approaching the affected equipment. If you see smoke, flames or active sparking, hear loud crackling, or suspect a fire, warn everyone, leave by the safest available route and call 999 from outside.

  2. Keep people and pets away from affected sockets, appliances, cables and rooms. If the thunderstorm is continuing, remain in a safe part of the building unless there is a reason to leave, such as fire, smoke or structural damage.

  3. When it is safe to do so, consider switching off the electricity at the main switch only if the consumer unit appears dry and undamaged, makes no unusual noise, and you already know how to operate it. Leave it alone if there is any sign of heat, moisture, scorching, buzzing, sparking or other damage.

  4. Contact a registered electrician as soon as possible. Explain that the property may have been struck by lightning and describe any flickering, tripping, buzzing, failed appliances, smells or visible damage. Ask for the electrical installation to be inspected and tested before affected circuits and equipment are used again.

  5. If the whole property has lost power, nearby properties are also affected, or external electricity equipment appears damaged, report it to the electricity network operator. In England, Scotland or Wales, call 105. In Northern Ireland, call NIE Networks on 03457 643 643. Stay well away from fallen cables, damaged poles and other network equipment.

  6. If you rent the property, tell the landlord, letting agent or emergency repairs service after reaching a safe place. Say that a lightning strike may have affected the fixed electrical installation and that urgent electrical inspection is needed.

  7. If someone is still in contact with an electrical source, do not touch them. Switch off the supply only if that can be done safely, call 999 and follow the operator’s instructions. If the person is unconscious or not breathing normally after the source has been isolated, call 999 immediately and follow the call handler’s first-aid instructions.

What can wait

You do not need to decide now whether appliances can be repaired, whether the property needs rewiring, who is responsible for the damage or how an insurance claim will be handled. Detailed photographs, receipts, repair estimates and non-urgent calls can wait until everyone is safe and the electrical installation has been assessed.

Important reassurance

A lightning strike does not automatically mean that the entire electrical installation must be replaced. However, damage may be hidden, so stopping use and arranging an inspection is a sensible response even when the visible signs seem minor.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate steps to reduce the risk of fire and electric shock. Later decisions about repairs, replacement equipment, insurance, tenancy responsibilities or structural damage may require help from an electrician, insurer, landlord or another relevant specialist.

Important note

This is general information, not professional electrical, fire safety, medical, insurance or legal advice. Follow instructions from the emergency services, electricity network operator and registered electrician dealing with the incident.

Additional Resources

Closely connected guides that may be useful during the same situation or its immediate aftermath.

About this guide

This guide was produced and is maintained by PanicStation.org using its published editorial process. Official and specialist sources are checked where relevant, and AI-assisted tools may be used for drafting, organisation, and consistency checks. The site operator remains responsible for publication, revision, and removal decisions.

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