Here's why:
* Lightning is attracted to the tallest, most pointed objects in an area. This is why tall buildings and trees are more likely to be struck than a computer or stereo.
* Lightning follows the path of least resistance. The air inside your house, and even the wires within your electronics, provide much higher resistance than the path lightning would take through the air outside.
However, electronic devices can be damaged by power surges caused by lightning strikes. These surges happen when a lightning strike hits a power line or other electrical infrastructure near your home. This surge can travel through the wiring and damage your electronics, even if the lightning doesn't strike your house directly.
Here's how to protect your electronics from power surges:
* Unplug them during a thunderstorm. This is the most effective way to protect your devices.
* Use surge protectors. Surge protectors are designed to absorb power surges and protect your electronics from damage.
* Consider a whole-house surge protector. These devices protect all the electrical outlets in your home from power surges.
It's important to remember that even with these precautions, there's no guarantee that your electronics will be safe during a thunderstorm. The best way to protect your devices is to unplug them during storms.