The more electronic devices we have in our homes, the more we stand to lose from a lightning strike.

From 2004 to 2006, the cost of homeowners’ insurance claims due to lightning increased 20 percent to $882 million, and it’s expected to approach $1 billion this year, the Insurance Information Institute reports.

To protect your property, the institute recommends you take these steps:

¢ Install a lightning-protection system. The system consists of a lightning rod or air terminals at the top of the house (they can be disguised to look like a weather vane) and wires to carry the current to ground rods at the bottom of the house. The system needs to be anchored securely to the roof and should be installed by a licensed electrician.

¢ Use surge protectors. For the greatest protection, the institute recommends installing surge arrestors on the main electrical panel and on incoming phone, cable, satellite and data lines. Transient voltage surge suppressors can also be installed to protect specific pieces of electronic equipment.

Look for the Underwriters Laboratories designation on surge protectors. Don’t rely on regular power strips, which offer little protection from power surges.

¢ As an added precaution, unplug expensive electronic equipment, such as TVs and computers, when a storm approaches.