7 Things You Should Always Unplug Before a Storm Hits
Power surges during storms can fry your electronics fast—especially if lightning hits nearby or the grid takes a hit. Even surge protectors don’t always hold up to the kind of spike a direct strike can cause. Unplugging takes a few seconds and can save you thousands in damage. Here’s what to pull the plug on before the storm rolls in.
Television and Streaming Devices
Flat screens and streaming sticks are especially sensitive to power spikes. Even if they’re on a surge protector, lightning can still fry the circuits through the coaxial cable or HDMI connections.
Unplug both the power cord and the cable line if a bad storm’s moving in. It’s not worth risking your setup over one movie night.
Wi-Fi Router and Modem
Your internet gear is a magnet for surge damage—especially since most of it stays plugged in 24/7 and isn’t always on a protected outlet.
Unplug the power and the phone or cable line to keep it safe. You can plug it back in after the storm passes, and avoid needing a whole new router.
Desktop Computers and Monitors
Desktops usually have more expensive parts than laptops, and one surge can take out the entire motherboard or power supply.
Save your work, shut it down, and unplug both the tower and monitor before storms. If you use a printer or speakers, unplug those too while you’re at it.
Kitchen Appliances with Digital Displays
Microwaves, air fryers, and coffee makers with clocks or touchscreens are more vulnerable than you’d think. They don’t pull much power, but they’re not built to handle spikes either.
If the storm is strong or right on top of you, unplug any countertop appliance you’re not actively using.
Gaming Consoles
Gaming systems are expensive and often loaded with save data you don’t want to lose. A surge can take out the console and the HDMI port on your TV.
Even if it’s on a surge strip, unplug it before the lightning starts cracking close. It’s one of the easiest and most worthwhile things to protect.
Portable Air Conditioners or Window Units
These units are harder on your power system than you’d think, and a surge during a storm can burn out the motor or compressor.
Turn them off and unplug when a storm is coming. If you’re worried about heat, plug them back in once the worst has passed and power seems stable.
Power Tools Left Plugged in Outside or in the Garage
If you’ve been working outside and left drills, chargers, or shop vacs plugged in, now’s the time to disconnect them. Garages and sheds aren’t always wired with surge protection.
Even if the storm never hits directly, a nearby strike can send a spike through your whole outbuilding circuit and wreck anything left plugged in.
*This article was developed with AI-powered tools and has been carefully reviewed by our editors.
