Unless the storm is directly overhead, I just sew away. If it's directly overhead, I'm usually at the window - watching!

I use a very high rated surge protector and I always unplug when I turn it off. :-D :-D :-D

I unplug my machines except when I am using them. You never know when a storm will come up while you are gone. I plan to look into the whole house surge protector someone posted about on this board. Sounds like a great idea for all electrical appliance protection.

I also saw the lightening come out of the wall outlet and turn the corner around the baseboard and out a open window. Struck the house on the corner and burned it to the ground. DH and I also like to watch the storms. Go in only if there is bad lightening.

Pat, I'm so happy you and your new baby are bonding and having fun testing each others boundries. I use a suge protector on any machine and definately wouldn't use during a thunderstorm or take a shower, wash dishes, etc.
wait to see your first Horizon project.

desert rose

Long ago I saw a show where they were telling you what to do with all your appliances. The fireman said to ALWAYS unplug your things when not in use in case there is a surge from outside and it causes a fire when you are away. I always try to do that. My 2 sewing machines are on extension cords so I have to unplug them after every use any way. My mum uses to leave her kettle plugged in and on and the cord was left out of the kettle socket. I frightens me to see that because you can get shocked if you are trying to put a live cord into a socket. Now I check every time I went to her house. Mum now lives with my sister and she is more careful of power.

I don't unplug my surge protector that is hooked to the sewing machine, but thunderstorms are very rare here. I've only had one power outage in 3 years, but it did fry capaciters on my LCD TV. Hubby was able to find a youtube video about how to fix it.

When the weather is weird I unplug and shut down everything.

I am so glad I read this thread. I have been horribly careless with my machines and the storms have been horrendous this year. Thanks all.

Lost my first Viking to lightning even through a surge protector, thank goodness for insurance,

Exactly what I was going to say!! Umplugging it after use is the best surge protector you can have.