There are approximately 100 cloud-to-ground lightning strikes on Earth every second, and each of these lightning bolts can contain up to one billion volts of electricity, National Geographic reports (n.d.). With the frequency of lightning strikes and the power of lightning, is it any wonder that lightning damage occurs?

Communications centers and towers present an increased exposure to loss from electrical surges, especially direct or indirect lightning strikes. Claims from lightning strikes account for approximately 11% of VFIS’s property losses annually. Of particular concern is the potential loss of emergency services that may result from critical infrastructure damage caused by this type of event. The intent of this bulletin is to help communications centers assess their risk for lightning strikes and provide considerations for lightning protection at their locations.