One of the places I go to on produce row had a cable on the power pole a block away blow out a couple of weeks ago and caused them some grief. Five electric motors blew out and had to be replaced. I don't know if a surge protector would have saved them but something caused the motors to blow either when the line blew or when the hydro boys reconnected the line. So for me, a surge protector is the least I can do. Especially now that the one I've got is free.
noventa, good idea. I've got some UPS units that have the cable and phone line suppressors built in but never bothered to hook them up. Since they're here anyway I might as well use them.