OK,
I've been singing this tune since I started here at ECN.
If you want good protection from lightning strikes down the line (as in on the HV wire that feeds your house), install a Surge Diverter Unit in your panel.
Now this may not sit too well with panels in the US that don't use DIN Rail mount gear, because the Surge Diverter needs to go into the Mains before the Disconnect, with a link from the Main breaker, from there it should connect to the Grounding bar, with as shorter and as heavier link as possible.
These units use plug-in modules, that will blow on a decent over-voltage, they need to be replaced to ensure continued protection.
Good protection, it will even lessen the number of incandescent light bulbs you churn through with voltage spikes.
I will say though, it will not save you from a direct strike on your house, nothing will.
