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What Should I Check After a Lightning Strike Near My House?

Last updated October 31, 2026

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The short answer

Immediate Safety Checks

Start with your own safety. Look and smell for smoke or burning. Check your attic and crawl spaces for visible flames or scorch marks. If you see anything, get out and call 911 from a safe spot.

Check your electrical panel for tripped breakers or burn marks. If you suspect a gas leak, leave the house and call the gas utility. Do not touch wet wires or standing water. If you feel unwell, see a doctor.

Inspect Your Roof and Attic

Lightning can crack or dislodge roof tiles, shingles, and flashing, creating entry points for rain. After the storm passes, go outside and look for missing or displaced roofing material. From inside, check the attic for daylight showing through or water stains on the underside of the roof deck.

Water that enters through a lightning-damaged roof can soak insulation, drywall, and wood framing. Even a small leak can lead to mold growth if left damp. If you find wet insulation or stained drywall, you may need water damage inspection and repair.

  • Look for cracked or missing shingles or tiles
  • Check flashing around chimneys and vents
  • Inspect the attic for water stains or dampness
  • Feel insulation for wetness or musty odor
  • Note any sagging or discolored drywall

Check Electrical and Electronics

Lightning can send a power surge through your home's wiring, damaging outlets, appliances, and electronics. Check for tripped circuit breakers or blown fuses. Test outlets with a simple device or plug in a lamp to see if they work.

Unplug sensitive electronics like computers and TVs until a professional has assessed your system. If you notice a burning smell near outlets or a humming sound from your panel, turn off power at the main breaker if safe and call an electrician.

Look for Water Damage Inside

A strike can also damage plumbing pipes or cause condensation issues, but more often it opens the roof to rain. Check ceilings, walls, and floors for new stains or dampness. Pay special attention to corners, around windows, and near exterior walls.

Water damage can hide behind wallpaper or under flooring. If you see bubbling paint, soft drywall, or warped wood, that indicates moisture. If left untreated, it can lead to mold and structural decay. For serious water intrusion, local water damage pros can help with drying and repairs.

  • Look for water rings or discoloration on ceilings
  • Feel walls for dampness or soft spots
  • Check baseboards for swelling or warping
  • Inspect under sinks and around appliances for leaks
  • Sniff for musty or mildew odors in rooms

Document Damage for Insurance

If you find damage, take photos and notes before any cleanup. Keep receipts for any emergency repairs you make, like tarping a roof hole. Contact your insurance company promptly to report the incident. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered.

Your insurance adjuster will need a clear record of what happened. Do not throw away damaged items until the adjuster has seen them. If you have significant water damage, the pros can help with inspection and restoration, but you should document everything first.

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Frequently asked questions

How can I tell if my roof was hit by lightning?

Look for scorch marks, cracked or missing shingles, or a hole in the roof. Inside, check the attic for water stains or daylight. If you are unsure, a professional inspection can identify damage that is not visible from the ground.

What should I do if I see smoke after a lightning strike?

Leave the house immediately and call 911 from outside. Do not try to fight a fire yourself. Once firefighters have cleared the scene, you can start assessing other damage, but safety comes first.

Can lightning cause water damage even if it doesn't rain?

Yes, a strike can crack roof materials or dislodge flashing, allowing water to enter during the next rain. Even without immediate rain, moisture can seep in from sprinklers or humidity. Check for dampness and address any issues quickly to prevent mold.

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