I unplug my machine and my computer. The rest is just too complicated to do. But one of the uses of a surge protector (vs. a power strip) is even if there isn't a storm if you lose power for some reason - even briefly - there can be a surge when it comes back on. Your surge protector will hopefully, keep your electronics safe when that happens. I'm sure many of us have experienced that brief lowering of lights followed by everything normal. Again, surge protectors are a good thing when that happens.