We unplug for each and every one. Not turn off, unplug from wall. All electronics, like stereo, computers, TV, etc. And when doing the computer, don't forget to unplug the phone line from the box if you have DSL.
To make life easier, we use lots of surge protectors. We plug 1 into the wall and run it out to where we can reach it. Then plug another into it and plug everything into the second one. To unplug everything, just pull the plug out of the first protector and you are done.
Surge protectors will not protect from a lightning strike.
Basically unplug anything you can't afford to replace, except refrigerators/freezers or heavy appliances you can't easily reach the cords of, or that have special plugs you can't use surge protectors on, like dryers and stoves.
We do not have a lot of thunderstorms here, but we prefer to be safe than sorry, as we can't afford to replace appliances.
My mom lives in an area that does not get a lot of thunderstorms, but when they do, their house seems to attract hits. They've been hit at least 3 times and lost lots of appliances.
Pam R.
