A few things to remember as we enter storm season again:

• Lightning can travel across any wire.

Just because your computer, tv, or other electrical device is plugged into a surge protector does not mean it is fully protected.  Lightning can just as easily travel to your device from a phone line, Ethernet cable, printer cable, or any other attached device.  All devices should be connected to a surge protector and inline suppressors should be connected to your Ethernet and phone cables.

• The cheapest surge protector may be just that.

Not all surge protectors are created equally.  Some are only designed to protect from the normal variations in power and will not handle a direct lightning strike.  It is best to read reviews of different surge protectors to determine which one is right for you.

• Make sure your computer system is covered by your insurance.

You will be saved a lot of grief later by finding out now if your system is covered before you need it to be.

• If it’s not in use, unplug it.

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best.  If you are going to be away for a period of time or know storms are coming and don’t need your electronics, unplugging them will be the surest way to guarantee that they will be safe.

By taking the proper precautions you will have no need to worry when that spring or summer storm brings a damaging power surge.