ND – Don’t Make This Crucial Mistake Before The Next Storm

Sometimes WE learn lessons in life AFTER the fact

The above line is so true - "Sometimes WE learn lessons in life AFTER the fact"....and for me it's ALWAYS and not sometimes. I'll explain everything in just a second, but first, I was torn on writing this story because I didn't want anyone to think I took what we ( North Dakotans ) experienced last Friday night. I was grateful that there wasn't more damage - THIS was a violent storm, and the last thing you should care about is money.

"Winds over 100 mph and widespread damage..."

This storm was not a surprise - the news and weather apps were warning us that this oncoming storm was going to be huge, with possible tornado warnings. Some people were prepared, others were not. According to accuweather.com "A destructive storm tore through parts of the Midwest late Friday, producing tornadoes, winds over 100 mph and widespread damage. In North Dakota, three people were killed when a tornado struck near the town of Enderlin, about 40 miles southwest of Fargo, authorities said."

Here in Bismarck, last Friday night, I was sitting in my apartment awaiting this massive storm

I was doing just that. I made dinner early, and I was watching TV when, just before 9 pm, the loudest crack of a lightning bolt, thunder I've ever heard in my life. My lights flickered OFF, then came back on for half a second, and then OFF - and stayed off until about 6:23 am. Hours later, I found out WHY it's crucial to have a surge protector. Dell.com explains it like this  "A surge protector, also known as a surge suppressor, is a device that is made to protect electronic equipment from unwanted power surges or "spikes." It takes only a tiny amount of voltage increase to damage most of today's sensitive electronics"

So Now I know.....

An expensive lesson, YES, for my TV of over 8 years was toast.