A Cuban family residing in West Park, in Broward County, Florida, experienced a harrowing ordeal when a lightning strike hit their home on Tuesday morning, severely damaging part of the property's structure.
The incident took place during a brief storm that affected the area, during which at least 12 lightning strikes were recorded, according to radar data from Telemundo 51. The lightning struck the house's electrical service entrance, known as a weather head, causing visible damage to one of the rooms.
At the time of the strike, Yamileidy González was sleeping in the room with her one-year-old baby, Jeidrian. "The crib was here, against the wall, and the baby was sleeping," González told the media outlet while pointing to a hole in the ceiling right above the crib.
"When I heard the explosion, the first thing I did was grab my baby in my arms and run. From the doorway, I saw the hole and thought, 'We are alive by a miracle because that lightning could have struck the baby directly,'" she recounted.
The family's father, Adrián Sosa, expressed his main concern for his family's safety, stating that material losses could be recovered. "We'll see about the insurance, if not, I'll pay for it myself," he said while assessing the damage to the house's structure and fence, which they had acquired less than two years ago.
When Broward County firefighters arrived at the scene, they confirmed that the damage was caused by the electrical discharge. In 2023, Florida recorded approximately 6,000 insurance claims for lightning-related damages, highlighting the frequency of such incidents in the state.
Despite the damage to the property and the home's electrical system, Yamileidy and Adrián are grateful that they and their young son are safe and can recount the experience that could have easily ended in tragedy. "We are alive by a miracle," Yamileidy concluded.
Lightning Strike Safety and Damage in Florida
Here are some frequently asked questions regarding lightning strikes, their effects, and safety measures, particularly relevant for residents in lightning-prone areas like Florida.
What should you do if lightning strikes your home?
If lightning strikes your home, evacuate immediately if there is a fire or visible damage. Call emergency services and avoid using electrical devices until the property is inspected by professionals.
How common are lightning strikes in Florida?
Florida is known as the lightning capital of the United States, with thousands of lightning strikes recorded annually. In 2023 alone, there were approximately 6,000 insurance claims due to lightning damage.
Can homeowners insurance cover lightning damage?
Yes, most standard homeowners insurance policies cover damage caused by lightning strikes. It is advisable to review your policy and ensure that you have adequate coverage for such events.