lightning storm

First question  unplugging it is a good idea ,but 2 nd what are you using 

for a line conditioner, Surge protector ? You Donot want anything that uses MOVs

they totally destroy your current capabilities  and should be avoided ,

and you should have Copper - plated recepticle ,for cheap brass oxydizes

try cleaning out a recepticle. 

Once again, I urge all Agoner's to invest in a whole house surge protector, when possible.

@jea48 , nice to see you here. I have always appreciated your knowledge of all things electrical.

bob

As a retire audio tech, I saw my share of lighting damage over the years. Unplugging is the ONLY way to totally protect your equipment, and that includes internet cable and any type antenna cables. Those also create a path to ground, and if connected, can be a source for damage. 

HAHA 😆 😅. Be careful with that back around 1998 when the strip protectors weren't so good a lightening storm fryed the transformer in my Kenwood receiver and no parts available so it was done. I did find a replacement on eBay for $475 I think it was. Get one of those big ones that the whole thing plugs into the wall , no cord at home Depot they have a $10,000 protection guarantee.

EMI damage? Recently my F150 sat next to a pine tree that took a hit. $5k damages to the electrical. Luckily no damage to my HT/music system however my modem & charger to my laptop did not fare so well. $1k deductible on the Ford so not as bad as it could have been.