7-21-05 - Two house fires in one week is powerful proof of the destructive force of lightning. Homes in Ardmore and Sherman burned, but experts say lightning rods could have saved them.

Lightening usually targets the highest and fastest way to reach the ground, but experts say no matter where your home is or how big, it's at risk.

Lightning rods provide a specific path for lightning to travel. They attach to the roof of your home and connect to a copper cable that runs into the ground, leaving the structure and everything inside your home unharmed.

The cost of having a lightning protection system installed runs from $2500 to $3000, but the security and peace of mind could be a big return on a small investment.

It's also important to have a professional install the system. Improper installation is worse than not having protection at all.