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# There Is One Thing You Must Unplug Every Time It Rains or Thunders: Why It’s Crucial for Your Safety and Electronics

Every time a thunderstorm approaches, many people instinctively rush to unplug their computers, TVs, or other electronic devices. But have you ever wondered if there’s *one particular thing* you must unplug every time it rains or thunders? The answer is yes — and understanding why can save you from costly damage, frustrating downtime, and even serious safety hazards.

In this article, we will explore:

* The dangers thunderstorms pose to your home electronics and safety
* What exactly you need to unplug and why
* How electrical surges happen during storms
* Best practices to protect your devices and household
* Additional safety tips during thunderstorms
* What to do after a storm passes
* The science behind lightning, electricity, and your home wiring
* FAQs about electrical safety during storms

By the end of this comprehensive guide, you’ll be fully equipped to protect your home and family every time the weather turns stormy.

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## 1. Why Thunderstorms Are Dangerous for Your Home Electronics

Thunderstorms are spectacular natural phenomena, but they pose serious risks to your home’s electrical system. Lightning, a powerful electrical discharge, can strike nearby power lines, trees, or even your house directly. These strikes can cause sudden and intense electrical surges that travel through power lines and into your home.

### What is an Electrical Surge?

An electrical surge, also called a voltage spike, is a sudden increase in voltage that lasts for a very short time but carries a lot of energy. Lightning strikes near power lines can induce these surges, which then enter your home through the electrical wiring or connected devices.

### What Happens When a Surge Hits?

* It can fry delicate electronic components inside your devices.
* It can damage your home wiring and cause fire hazards.
* It can cause data loss or corrupt files on computers and other digital devices.

### The Cost of Ignoring Surge Protection

* Replacing damaged electronics can be expensive.
* Repairs to home electrical systems may cost thousands.
* Safety risks to you and your family, including potential electrical fires.

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## 2. The One Thing You Must Unplug Every Time It Rains or Thunders: Your Router/Modem

While many people think about unplugging their TV or computer, there’s one device you should **always** unplug first and foremost during thunderstorms:

**Your Internet Router and Modem.**

### Why?

* The modem and router connect to both power and your external internet line, which often runs outside your home.
* Lightning-induced surges can travel through the phone or coaxial cable line as well as the electrical outlet.
* If left plugged in, these devices can be instantly damaged by surges coming through the internet line.
* Losing your modem/router means losing internet connectivity — a vital utility today — and replacement can be costly.

### Additional Devices to Unplug

* Computers and laptops (even if on battery, if plugged in, they’re vulnerable)
* Televisions and gaming consoles
* Home theater systems and sound bars
* Printers and external hard drives
* Smart home hubs and assistants (e.g., Alexa, Google Home)
* Chargers plugged into outlets (phones, tablets, etc.)

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## 3. Understanding How Lightning and Surges Travel Into Your Home

Lightning creates massive energy discharges — millions of volts — in a split second. Although your home is insulated and protected by grounding systems, this doesn’t completely prevent surge energy from entering.

### Surge Pathways Include:

* **Power lines:** The most common way surges enter your home.
* **Telephone and internet cables:** Especially if your internet service uses DSL or cable.
* **TV antenna or satellite dish cables**
* **Grounded metal pipes**
* **Unplugged electronics connected to external wiring**

### How Does This Affect Your Router?

Because your router is physically connected to the outside world via phone or cable lines, a lightning strike nearby can send an electrical pulse directly through those cables into your device.

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## 4. Best Practices to Protect Your Electronics from Storm Damage

### 4.1. Unplug Devices During Storms

The simplest and most effective method. Pull the plug from the wall outlet, and if applicable, disconnect the internet or phone cable from the device.

### 4.2. Use Surge Protectors

* Surge protectors can absorb or block voltage spikes, protecting connected devices.
* Invest in high-quality surge protectors with adequate joule ratings (the higher, the better).
* Replace surge protectors after a major surge event as their capacity reduces.

### 4.3. Install Whole-Home Surge Protection

* Installed at your electrical panel, whole-home surge protectors offer a first line of defense.
* They can prevent large surges from traveling into your home wiring.
* Consult a licensed electrician for installation.

### 4.4. Avoid Using Wired Devices During Storms

Using wired telephones or Ethernet cables during thunderstorms can increase your risk of electric shock or device damage.

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