JudeL
I dont want to be too alarmist but surge protectors are only a brick wall. They stop cars and light vans but jugonauts come sailing through. Think of it as a percentage shot - it will protect more times than no protection but a million amps gotta go somewhere. If you think the thunderstrom is coming your way disconnect the phone line - and save the answer machine at the same time.

Oh and if they do their job well enough they take the hit instead - so they will need replacing after a hit.