Storm damage can hit almost any device, expert warns cottage owners

Finland recorded its highest number of summer thunderstorms on Saturday, with more expected across cottage areas today, Yle reports.

Teemu Suvela, operations chief at power grid company Elenia, advises cottage owners to prepare for storms with backup power sources and portable batteries. During a storm, electrical devices should be unplugged from sockets, as lightning can damage almost any appliance if it strikes nearby.

For cottages left unoccupied for extended periods, Suvela recommends switching off refrigerators and freezers where possible to prevent food spoilage if fuses blow. Emptying and powering down these appliances is the safest option.

Professionally installed solar panels typically withstand storms well, according to Suvela. Surge protection helps prevent damage from voltage spikes caused by lightning or grid disturbances. He notes that solar panel systems are not inherently more vulnerable to storms if properly installed with surge protection in place.

Power meters should remain connected to the grid, as this allows the company to check whether electricity is reaching the meter, aiding fault detection.

Most storm-related damage is covered by standard holiday home insurance, says Markus Uimonen, head of property claims at Pohjola Insurance. Common claims include electrical devices damaged by power surges, thawed freezer contents due to outages, and structural damage from fallen trees. Insurance typically covers lightning-induced surge damage even if the device was plugged in during the storm.

Uimonen adds that storm damage claims are rare, as thunderstorms alone seldom cause significant harm without accompanying high winds. To minimise risk, he advises moving outdoor items indoors, closing windows and doors, and unplugging electrical devices.

Damage from faulty drainage systems, such as storm drains, is generally not covered by insurance, as these are not typically included in policies. If such systems fail and cause secondary damage to a building, the costs are usually not reimbursed.