Lightning fries electronics in Johnston

JOHNSTON, R.I. (WPRI) - Electricians are working overtime in Johnston were residents say their appliances were fried from power surges in Monday’s lightning strikes.

Boilers, dishwashers, lights, computers, televisions, phones and several other electronic devices were all destroyed all because of lightning strikes that hit several transformers and sub stations.

The massive power surge blew up lights up and down Walnut Street and Plainfield Street.

With the loss of expensive appliances, residents called National Grid hoping for some compensation, but they were told it isn’t the company's responsibility.

National Grid states they only pay for claims if the company's equipment was faulty and caused damage to customer’s appliances, but in the case of a lightning strike which the company says is an “act of God”, they are not liable.

There are some things you can do to protect your appliances from a power surge, such as make sure that your service lines are properly grounded, use a surge protector for appliances, use an uninterrupted power supply and unplug appliances during lightning storms.

Homeowners can file claims with their homeowners insurance, but National Grid still recommends customers file a claim with them as well so they can investigate exactly what happened.