## 5. Additional Safety Tips During Thunderstorms

* Stay away from windows and doors.
* Avoid using plumbing (showers, faucets) during a storm — lightning can travel through metal pipes.
* Avoid touching electrical appliances or devices that are plugged in.
* Don’t stand under trees or near tall objects outside during lightning.

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## 6. What to Do After a Thunderstorm

* Check all your electronic devices for signs of damage or malfunction.
* Look for flickering lights or circuit breaker trips, which might indicate wiring issues.
* Test your surge protectors to ensure they are still functioning.
* If you suspect damage, call a professional electrician.

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## 7. How Lightning Protection Systems Work

Many homes have grounding rods and lightning rods designed to safely direct electrical energy into the ground.

* **Grounding rods** provide a path for electricity to travel harmlessly into the earth.
* **Lightning rods** attract lightning strikes and safely conduct electricity away from your home.

While these systems greatly reduce risk, they don’t eliminate the need to unplug sensitive electronics.

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## 8. The Cost of Neglecting This Simple Step

Many homeowners don’t unplug their devices during storms, risking:

* Expensive electronic repairs or replacements
* Loss of irreplaceable data
* Possible electrical fires

Taking a few seconds to unplug your modem/router and other devices could save hundreds or thousands of dollars and prevent dangerous situations.

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## 9. Common Misconceptions About Thunderstorms and Electronics

* **“Surge protectors make unplugging unnecessary.”**
Surge protectors help but aren’t fail-proof during severe surges.

* **“Only direct lightning strikes cause damage.”**
Nearby strikes can induce surges too.

* **“Devices are safe if they’re turned off.”**
Power must be disconnected; turned-off devices plugged into the wall are still vulnerable.

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## 10. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

**Q1: Should I unplug my phone during thunderstorms?**
Yes, especially if it is a wired landline phone connected to an external line.

**Q2: Is it safe to use wireless devices during a storm?**
Wireless devices like smartphones on battery power are safe. However, avoid charging them during storms.

**Q3: How long should I keep devices unplugged?**
Keep them unplugged during the storm and for 30 minutes after it passes to avoid residual surges.

**Q4: Can lightning damage my appliances even if they’re unplugged?**
It’s rare but possible if lightning strikes your home directly, causing electrical fires or wiring damage.

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## 11. Conclusion: Protect Your Home by Unplugging That One Crucial Device

When thunderclouds gather and rain begins to fall, it’s a natural human response to seek shelter. But for your home electronics, this is a moment when action matters most. Unplugging your **internet modem and router** is the single most important step you can take to shield yourself from electrical surges caused by storms.

Along with unplugging other key devices and employing surge protection, you’ll ensure your home remains safe and your electronics functional.

Next time you hear the rumble of thunder or see flashes of lightning, remember: **unplug that modem first.** It’s a small action that can save you a big headache later.

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If you want, I can also create a step-by-step checklist or an infographic summarizing these tips. Would you like that?