Electrial Storms

Would you walk out into the open during an electrical storm waving a golf club over your head?
Most people would say no to this and laugh at the thought of anyone being so silly. I assure you people still persist in using their phones and computers connecting to the internet during electrical storms which is just as dangerous. It only takes seconds for a lightning strike to go through your electricity mains or your telephone line and destroy your computer and or your hearing if you are on the phone at the time.

What About Being Online In A Storm?

It's not a good idea. As with most electrical devices during a storm, you should not be near them. It is dangerous to use electrical or phone equipment during a thunderstorm. Your computer falls under both of these categories.

What Do I Need To Know About Lightning And My Computer?

Lightning may easily damage any and all computer equipment even if you have surge protectors or power back up devices. Lightning contains enough voltage to go straight through some surge protectors and right into your computer. Modems can not handle extra energy. Shoalnet/Fastrac Technical Support Staff have already encountered dozens of customers with damaged modems and computers due to lightning.

How Do I Protect My Computer?

The easiest way to protect your equipment is to completely unplug the computer AND the telephone line.
This means unplug all the cords move them from the outlets. This will reduce the risk to your equipment. - Only a direct hit is likely to cause damage.
Whether you have an internal or external modem, you should unplug the telephone line from the modem. If you are not sure where your modem is, follow all the cords that look like telephone lines into the back of your computer and unplug the line.

Disclaimer: There is no guarantee the above actions will protect you or your computer hardware from all effects of lightning. There will always be a risk of damage to you or your computer equipment despite the best of precautions. Shoalnet/Fastrac assumes no liability for any damage direct or incidental as a result of lightning or as a result of any of the suggestions provided herein.