When I shut my machine off, it gets unplugged even though I have a rather pricey surge protector/battery back-up for it. I've heard of too many people that I know personally who've had things fried in a storm.

We had a tv on 2 surge protectors (needed the length) and it blew after a huge storm.

No, you are 100% correct. Better to be safe than sorry:-)

You are not being overly cautious, just smart. We lost our home to a lightening strike 9 years ago so come down on the side of caution and protect your electronics.

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.

I never leave my computer on the charger during a storm. I always unplug my machines after using. Just don't want to take any chance.

mltquilt

it really is a good idea to turn electronics off and unplug

Because we often have "pop-up" thunder storms in the summer I keep things like my tread mill, sewing machine, etc. unplugged when I am not using them and turn off and unplug my computer any time I am leaving the house. I never know when there will be a thunder storm. Having lost a computer, TV, and garage door opener to a lightning strike, I say unplug!!! (I also lost one of my best friends when she was struck by lightning while taking out her garbage.) Lightning is a powerful thing. Respect it!

Surge protectors are great for a limited time. They can only protect against "X" number of surges. They wear out, but do not tell us. Your electrical products still work because they are plugged into what is now only an extension cord. And there could have been surges way down the line, that can affect your appliances, even when there is no storm where you are. TVs, computers, sewing machines, etc. All draw power even when turned off so your power and your money are being wasted. Why not unplug, save money and protect your expensive investments?

I have mine plugged into an uninterruptible power supply. If lightning strikes the UPS will fry but everything plugged in is safe. These usually come with a $25,000 protection guarantee. After losing a tv to an electric storm, all of my electronics are protected by UPS's.