Most lightning strikes remain in the sky - are not CG type.
It is the CG (cloud to ground) type lightning that causes
electronics damage. Typically, the resulting destructive
transient occurs about once every eight years. In Central
Florida, this number is higher. I have seen estimates of once
every two years.

But this is a regional average. Other conditions such as
underlying geology change this number for neighborhoods and
even between homes. To better determine a threat risk, one
should learn the neighborhood history.

Regionally, FL has some of the higher number of CG
lightning. But WV has some of the highest numbers 'per
thunderstorm'. Another region of concern is a large area
between AZ and NM. The mid west may have spectacular
thunderstorms, but the frequency of CG lightning in this
region is low.

No One You Know wrote:
What some of you people don't see is that during most thunder storms
here in central Florida there can be an average lightning strikes in
the thousands for each storm. Not your typical anywhere else in the US.
That being said, there is no protection from a direct hit. Never was
and never will be( affordable anyway). You can protect from near hits
though through proper grounding. Heck, when I lived in northern
Michigan I would get a static charge from a snow storm at times.
Protect as well as can be done affordable and then rely on you
homeowners policy to pick up the pieces. After all, thats why you
bought insurance isn't it?

Yeah Mike, we're getting some things together again but I'm not going
for a generator yet, just canned goods and LP tanks and batteries etc.
I guess we should board up in June and take the boards off in December.
Makes for a dark summer ;-p