Electrical Surges

• One of the most common problems associated with an electrical storm is the power surge. Lightning can strike unpredictably and may cause an intense surge of power to get to your appliances. This surge can fry circuitry and cause major damage to any number of electrical devices in your home. If you have the option, use surge protectors on anything that plugs into the wall.
  
  

Winter Storms

• Winter storms in some climates are a serious matter. Snow can fall fast and accumulate at significant depths, posing a threat to some appliances, particularly the fuel supply for furnaces. If a major snow event is expected in your area, ensure that any outside fuel storage tanks, such as a propane tank, are clearly marked with a flag. Some places receive enough snow to bury these tanks. An easily visible marker will prevent plows or other equipment from accidentally running into the fuel tank, which could cause a fatal accident, including fire and explosion.
  
  

Power Down

• You should turn off your appliances as a storm passes to reduce the chances of the appliance being hit. Most people are aware of the dangers of keeping a computer running during a storm, but all electrical devices are at risk for lightning strikes. Completely unplugging all electrical appliances during a severe electrical storm is the preferable action since they will be far less likely to be stricken if they are not connected to a power supply.
  
  

Stay Clear

• As a child, your parents probably told you to stay away from doors and windows during lightning storms, which is good advice. But you should also stay at least a few feet away from all electrical appliances during a storm. Electricity from lightning can flow through appliances connected to electricity, and the current can actually "jump" from the appliance to a nearby person if they are touching the appliance or are very close to it, which can result in severe injury or even death. Although rare, this is a possibility, and precautions should be taken.