Do you still use the computer when it's lightning outside?

[mrodgers]

I turn off my desk top, and my DVR/Satellite receiver.

Turning off isn't going to help, they are still plugged in. 9 times out of 10, when a computer goes out from a lightning strike, it is through the wired internet connection such as DSL and fries the network card/port. $5 network card and it's fixed again.

 

[FINFAN]

apparently I have never thought about the lightning as a negative, because we are usually tracking a storm on the weather websites, lol. SO not only so I not turn off the PC I actually go over to use it during a storm

 

[dzorn]

Yes I'm a rebel and I back up regularly.

Denise in MI

 

[tarheel618]

I'm with your hubby on this one. We've been fried twice in 10 years, I had to replace my wireless modem as well so if we hear thunder~ read a book or play a board game.

 

[C.Ann]

Not as a rule - even on battery.. I don't use the telephone either - because I know of someone personally who was "zapped" through a telephone line a few years ago.. Fortunately she didn't die, but she was hospitalized for over a week..

We're expecting some severe storms here later this evening.. (We've been having them off and on for days now - thus my very limited use of my computer..) As soon as I hear the thunder, I'll be off the computer.. (Remember - if you can "hear" the thunder, you can be struck by lightning from as far as 15 miles away from the actual storm..) To me it's not a chance worth taking - and I really don't want to shell out the money for a new lap top..

A neighbors place burnt to the ground up here several years back when a bolt of lightning hit a tree in front of her camp - traveled through the roots under her place, then up inside of the camp - came shooting out of all of her electrical outlets - and the whole place was gone in a heartbeat..

Ten years ago, another friend was watching tv up here during an electrical storm.. A bolt of lightning came right through the window and fried his television.. Luckily that's all the damage it did, but he's a lot more careful about storms than he used to be..

It can be inconvenient, but I'd rather be safe than sorry..

 

[snels]

We always unplug all electronic items during storms.

 

[travelbug]

unplug the laptop and keep going...

Me too.