just unplug when there is a storm brewing and if your going to be gone for days. my friend back in the 70's was sitting listening to music and his tv/fm antenna was struck and it took out his Pioneer turntable, Marantz receiver and Norman speakers
Which is great if you know the event is coming, but what do you do about all your other appliances?
The combination of small surges that damage over time plus major appliance damage make whole house protection worthwhile.