Lighting impacts nearly every state and can be a highly dangerous force, often resulting in loss of property or life. The National Weather Service’s “When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors” lightning safety campaign will be hitting social media channels throughout the summer months.

While most people are familiar with dangers lightning can pose to individuals, you might not know about the risk to your home if CSST or corrugated stainless steel tubing is not properly bonded and grounded. According to the National Association of State Fire Marshals (NASFM) if this yellow steel tubing, often found in new construction, is not properly bonded and lightning strikes – even nearby – it can ignite a home fire.

PCI has joined the NASFM in their nationwide CSST Safety Campaign to encourage folks to check their homes and make sure this product is properly bonded. We are launching a social media campaign along with a new video featuring the Edward Paulk, vice president for the NASFM and Alabama State Fire Marshal, who explains and shows the very real dangers associated with this product. As lightning storms continue throughout the summer months, we hope you’ll share this important safety information with your policyholders.

What should I do if I find CSST?
Inspect
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.
Mitigate
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.
For more information:
http://www.csstsafety.com/