To prevent electrical damage, be sure to unplug your equipment from both the phone jack and the electrical outlet. If you experience some phone problems after a lightning storm, unplug these items from both the electrical outlet and the jack, then test the line with a telephone that plugs into a jack only, also make sure you check the surge suppressor for functionality. Some equipment may need to be unplugged for one minute then plugged back in to reset them. By doing this first, you may find the problem yourself, thus saving yourself a service charge. The equipment mentioned above are not the only ones susceptible to lightning damage, any equipment that plugs into a phone jack, even your computer and modem are also susceptible to this kind of damage.
Modems are very sensitive and are extremely susceptible to lightning strikes.
Remember, lightning does not have to hit your residence or business directly, lightning can travel underground and damage this type of equipment. Private contractors, electricians and homeowners may be qualified to install wiring in your home or office. As these changes came about you can now choose if you want your local phone company to maintain this inside wiring. If you want West Wisconsin Telcom to maintain your wiring the cost is 50 cents per month. If there are problems with the jacks, we will then repair or replace them at no charge.