Whenever a storm is going on, you should turn off the computer at the
surge protector and then unplug the surge protector from the wall.  If
you're still using a dialup connection, then unplug the phone line as
well.


-----Original Message-----
From: VICUG-L: Visually Impaired Computer Users' Group List
[mailto:[log in to unmask]] On Behalf Of Randy Hayhurst
Sent: Tuesday, August 16, 2005 2:57 PM
To: [log in to unmask]
Subject: Shocking news


I learned as a youngster not to use the phone or television during the
threat of thunderstorms.  After reading the following article, I'm still
not sure wireless access is any safer (cell phones are not)...

The Sun Herald | 08/16/2005 | Lightning hits teen at computer

By MARGARET BAKER



PASCAGOULA - A 19-year-old Hurley teen complained of chest pains and
numbness in one of his hands after lightning struck his computer late
Sunday afternoon,

according to the Jackson County Sheriff's Department.



Travis J. Brooks was using the mouse attached to the computer when
lightning flashed about 4:40 p.m. Sunday, according to Jackson County
Sheriff's Capt.

Obie Wells.



When Wells got to the home, he said Brooks was lying on the floor with
his mother by his side.



The mother told authorities that as soon as the lightning struck, her
son felt the surge go up one of his arms. Brooks couldn't be reached
Monday for comment.



Brooks, an employee of Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College, was
treated at Singing River Hospital on Sunday and released, hospital
spokesman Richard

Lucas confirmed Monday.



In recent weeks, lightning has struck numerous homes and businesses,
causing permanent damage to such items as computers, televisions, phones
and other

electronic devices.


VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
To join or leave the list, send a message to
[log in to unmask]  In the body of the message, simply type
"subscribe vicug-l" or "unsubscribe vicug-l" without the quotations.
VICUG-L is archived on the World Wide Web at
http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/vicug-l.html


VICUG-L is the Visually Impaired Computer User Group List.
To join or leave the list, send a message to
[log in to unmask]  In the body of the message, simply type
"subscribe vicug-l" or "unsubscribe vicug-l" without the quotations.
 VICUG-L is archived on the World Wide Web at
http://maelstrom.stjohns.edu/archives/vicug-l.html