Your system struck by lightning? What did you learn?

I live in Central Florida so lightening is a big deal.  There are roof protection systems (lightening rods) that guard against a direct strike to the house.  These run about $2500.  

There are also electrical panel protection systems that guard against surges from hits to the ground or hits to the main wiring miles away.  These run about $500-$1000.

To get protection that is 99% effective, you need both systems in conjunction with plug in wall surge protectors.  Leave any of these out and your protection drops.  And yes, cable, phone and inground sprinkler systems are weak points and require their own protection.

Realistically, you can do all of the above or none of the above and just leave your system unplugged except for when in use.

I have a lightening app on my phone that warns me of lightening within 10 miles (essential for when you are on the golf course) which helps me to decide when to unplug (the only real guarantee of safety).  I unplug if I'm going out of town and if there is a bad storm.  And most importantly, I have good homeowners insurance.

The Florida power companies definitely suggest a panel surge protection system along with wall suppression as a minimum.

I have had neighbors experience both direct and indirect hits with damage ranging from a lot to a little.  None had protection before the hit, all added protection after the hit.

So far, I've been spared.

There are also electrical panel protection systems that guard against surges from hits to the ground or hits to the main wiring miles away. These run about $500-$1000.

These can be a little cheaper. The Seimens BoltShield I just purchased was $150 and was plug and play for my panel. GE and Square D make even less expensive units. The problem with unplugging systems when not in use is that assumes you know when something bad will happen. We often do not, so I do go with the dual protection route, and if things get really dicey then I do unplug them because I’m squeamish.

Don’t forget to put a properly grounded surge protector on any coaxial cables that enter the home. A surge there can infiltrate your electronics and wreak havoc.

I also live in Central Florida and about 4 years ago we got hit. Everything connected to the copper Ethernet network was fried as the main point of entry was the coaxial drop from the cable company. From that lesson much more attention was paid to the low voltage points of entry. We pulled fiber optic cables through the attic and connected all the switches and router together with glass to fully isolate everything. 

We pulled fiber optic cables through the attic and connected all the switches and router together with glass to fully isolate everything.

That's funny because that's kind of what I'm thinking of doing.  Not that extensively. The whole house is wired for Ethernet, but I am going to put together a fiber gap between the modem and main house router.

You can also add coaxial gas tube arrestors upstream of the modem and off air antennas to add another layer. 
F Type Lightning Arrestor Female to Female Bulkhead with O-Ring 3GHz 75 ohm with 90V Gas Tube Discharge TV Surge Protector Surge Arrester https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07PXQ4SV4/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_glt_fabc_8YYVZXTKYTYQZT6CFB3M