TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - We are now entering the hot summer months where pop-up thunderstorms and lightning are very common, especially in the southeast. However, in many homes and businesses across the country there is a little known risk of fire that can by triggered by lightning strikes.
It’s important homeowners know about the dangers present if lightning strikes a home with corrugated stainless steel tubing (CSST) which is used to supply natural gas. The Property Casualty Insurers Association of America (PCI) and the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) are working together on the nationwide Yellow Safety campaign to warn homeowners about the real danger if yellow CSST is not installed properly.
According to the NASFM if yellow CSST, often used in construction since the early 1990s, is not properly bonded and lightning strikes – even nearby – arcing may occur and can perforate the yellow CSST, possibly leading to a fire.
“PCI and our member companies are supportive of the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) Yellow Safety campaign and believe it’s important for all homeowners, business owners, and renters to protect their families and their property by simply checking to make sure the yellow CSST is properly installed,” said Chris Hackett, PCI’s director of personal lines policy. “The standard homeowners policy covers home fires and insurers will be there in the aftermath to help you rebuild. But preventing a fire by taking the time to have a licensed electrician double check for proper bonding and grounding could mean the difference between peace of mind and a tragedy.”
What Should I do if I Find CSST?
If work has been performed on the gas piping system in hour house or business since 1990, it’s possible that yellow CSST was installed but not to current installation requirements.
If you find yellow CSST, it is strongly recommended that you contact a licenses electrician. The licensed electrician can make sure that your system is properly bonded.