I forgot to mention the battery bacjup and serge protector I have on my machines , also we have a serge protector from the electric company on our meter. but the very safest in storms is to unplug it from the wall socket. Might I suggest you go and sew on all of the machines, thread them and try them out in the stores and then buy the one you like. My friend has a new brother and it has given hernothing but trouble. Personally I would not have one. good luck.