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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 USA guide

Short answer

Treat strange electrical behavior after a lightning strike as possible electrical damage. If there is smoke, fire, sparking, a burning smell, or dangerous heat, leave and call 911; otherwise keep away from the electrical system, continue indoor lightning precautions until at least 30 minutes after the last thunder, and contact your electric utility and a qualified electrician.

Do not do these things

  • Do not unplug appliances, handle cords, use connected equipment, or touch the electrical panel while thunder is still occurring.
  • Do not repeatedly reset a tripped breaker or replace a blown fuse.
  • Do not switch affected lights or appliances on and off to test them.
  • Do not touch an outlet, cord, appliance, meter, or electrical panel that is wet, hot, smoking, sparking, discolored, buzzing, or crackling.
  • Do not enter standing water near wiring, outlets, appliances, or the electrical panel.
  • Do not remain inside to investigate smoke, flames, visible arcing, or a burning smell.
  • Do not approach a damaged service cable, utility pole, transformer, or downed power line.
  • Do not assume a power strip or plug-in surge protector prevented lightning damage.
  • Do not use candles for emergency lighting.

What to do now

  1. If you see smoke, flames, or visible arcing, smell burning material, hear loud crackling, notice dangerous heat, or have a smoke alarm activate, get everyone and all pets outside by a safe route. Stay clear of fallen wires and call 911 from a safe location.
  2. If anyone may have been struck by lightning, call 911 immediately. If the person is not breathing and it is safe to reach them, follow the dispatcher’s instructions and start CPR if you are trained.
  3. While thunder is continuing, stay indoors unless you must leave because of fire or another immediate danger. Keep away from corded phones, plugged-in equipment, electrical cords, plumbing, exterior windows and doors, porches, and open garages.
  4. Continue these lightning precautions until at least 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder.
  5. Leave affected switches, outlets, cords, appliances, breakers, and the electrical panel alone. Use flashlights or other battery-powered lighting if lights are unreliable.
  6. After the storm has passed, look only from a safe distance for damage to the utility line, meter, roof, or exterior electrical equipment. Do not go near damaged equipment or any fallen line.
  7. Contact your electric utility and report flickering lights, unusually bright or dim lights, partial power, repeated outages, or visible damage to the meter or service line. Follow its safety instructions.
  8. Arrange an urgent inspection by a qualified electrician who meets local licensing requirements. Do not resume using affected circuits or appliances until the utility or electrician has said it is safe.
  9. From a safe place, write down which lights, outlets, breakers, alarms, and appliances behaved strangely. Take photographs only if this does not require touching equipment, entering water, or approaching damaged lines.

What can wait

You do not need to determine which appliances are permanently damaged, choose repairs, replace surge protection, prepare a complete property inventory, or make insurance decisions now. Immediate fire, utility, and electrical safety checks come first.

Important reassurance

Strange electrical behavior does not by itself confirm that the home is on fire or that all its wiring will need replacement. It is still a sound reason to stop using affected equipment and have the system assessed before normal use resumes.

Scope note

This guide covers immediate first steps only. Electrical repairs, structural checks, equipment replacement, and insurance claims may require qualified specialists later.

Important note

This is general safety information, not electrical, fire, medical, legal, insurance, or other professional advice. Follow instructions from 911 dispatchers, the fire department, your electric utility, and qualified professionals who can assess the property directly.

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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