Is there a chance of lightning stricking electronics in my apartment?

Question

right now, it's thunderstorming,and i heard that lightining could be cloud-to-ground (said so on the weather channel)

my tv is on, and obviously my computer, because im in the middle of typing up something.

is there a chance that it can hit something if im on the 2nd floor (which is the top floor) and im away from the windows?

Answer 1

Lightning won't strike your electronics directly.  What happens is a lightning strike may hit a powerline and the surge goes through the wire.  If the surge doesn't burn up the wire, it may travel through the wires in your home or apartment and, as things go, blow out the $3000.00 computer or HDTV you just bought and leave the stupid little clock radio intact.  

What I do when a storm is forecast or there is a threat of one; I unplug the surge protector from the wall, and the modem wire from the wall jack.  If you only unplug the electricity, a strike will always find its way to your computer through the modem and network card.  That happened where I work.  Lightning shot out a surge protector.   Surge protectors are great for the everyday surges, spikes, and drops in voltage.  But there isn't a surge protector on the market that will absorb or clamp down on the million or so volt charge of a lightning strike.  

This is also good for my equipment during brown-outs or when there's hiccups in the power when it's trying to come back on.  Low voltage can  shoot out a TV or computer just as much as a surge or spike.  

Answer 2

Your phone, cable, and power supply leading to your appliances (TV computer) should be run through surge protectors. This will offer some protection depending on the quality of the surge protector. If not, if your appliances are plugged into the wall then you are asking for trouble. Lightning can take out any appliance by hitting the power, phone line or cable line quite easily. It can even kill you by hitting water pipes while you are taking a shower. The building you are in is safe but your appliances may not be.  

Answer 3

Part of the lightning current can be carried inside a building by electric power, telephone, analog or digital data lines (e.g., closed circuit television cameras, sensors in an industrial plant, etc.). This direct injection of lightning current inside a building can cause immense damage to electrical – and especially electronic – circuits and equipment.

Answer 4

well, a VERY VERY small chance.  don't worry about it!