If you’re caught in a storm, you might be asking yourself: Do I need to unplug my devices?
The short answer is yes.
This advice comes from the risk of power surges due to lightning strikes, which can cause serious damage to your electronics. It’s also a recommendation from the fire department.
Why Unplug During a Thunderstorm?
When lightning strikes, it can create a power surge in the electrical grid. That surge can damage your devices, even if the lightning doesn’t hit your building directly. The spike in voltage can travel through power lines, potentially reaching homes hundreds of feet away.
The Risk of Power Surges
A lightning strike can lead to a high-voltage spike in your home’s electrical system, which can:
- Damage internal components of electronics
- Completely fry your devices
- In some cases, even start a fire
Important: You might not notice the damage right away. Sometimes, the effects show up later when your device stops working properly after a storm.
Modern Electronics Are More Vulnerable
Many devices today, like computers, TVs, and routers, have delicate electronic components that are highly sensitive to lightning strikes. As technology gets more complex, these devices become even more vulnerable.
These are the main devices you should unplug:
- TVs: Especially since they’re often plugged into both power outlets and cable or satellite connections.
- Computers and Laptops: Full of sensitive electronics that can easily be damaged.
- Modems and Routers: They’re connected to both power and internet cables, which increases the risk of a surge affecting them.
Fact: Even if lightning strikes near your home, it can cause enough electrical induction to damage plugged-in devices.
How to Protect Your Devices During a Storm
The easiest and most effective way to protect your electronics is to unplug them before the storm starts. You can also disconnect your cable and internet wires to prevent surges from reaching your devices that way.
Here are some key steps to follow:
- Unplug your devices: This is the best way to prevent damage. Focus on unplugging sensitive electronics like computers, TVs, and modems.
- Disconnect antenna and cable connections: Devices that use antennas or cable lines, like TVs and modems, are at higher risk during a storm.
- Use surge protectors: While not foolproof, a good surge protector can help minimize the damage from a power surge. Many modern devices come with built-in protection, but not all.
Need a Surge Protector?
Lightning Rods
If you live in an area where thunderstorms are common, you might want to consider installing a lightning rod. This helps direct the energy from a lightning strike safely into the ground, reducing the risk of damage to your home and electronics.
What to Avoid During a Storm
Besides unplugging your devices, there are a few other things to keep in mind during a thunderstorm:
- Avoid showering or bathing: Water conducts electricity, and lightning can travel through your plumbing, making it unsafe to be in water during a storm.
- Stay away from windows: If lightning strikes nearby, it can cause glass to shatter.
What to Do on Vacation During a Thunderstorm
Even when you’re traveling, it’s a good idea to be cautious with your electronics during a storm.
If you’re using a travel adapter for your devices, make sure to unplug it during a thunderstorm. Just like at home, power surges caused by lightning can damage your electronics, so it’s better to play it safe.