QUESTION: We live in an old farmhouse, and our large 1931-era dairy barn was struck by lightning in September. The resulting fire completely destroyed the upper two stories. We are making plans to rebuild in the spring and are considering putting lightning rods on the new barn.However, we have heard conflicting advice. Although the fire marshal told us that lightning rods might have prevented our conflagration, one of the barn builders we are talking to said lightning rods aren't necessarily helpful and may, in fact, attract more lightning.Although I have searched the Web, it doesn't seem that there is much clear information out there about lightning rods. Some old barns seem to have them, and others don't. I also understand that some new homes have lightning rods built in, but obviously the vast majority of homes do not have them. While I am grateful that lightning strikes seem to be a relatively rare occurrence, I would like to do what I can to prevent and manage another lightning strike.ANSWER: Underwriters Laboratories recommends a lightning-protection system that complies with current nationally recognized codes. Such systems consist of air terminals (lightning rods) and associated fittings connected by heavy cables to grounding equipment, providing a path for the lightning current to travel safely to ground.You should check with your insurance company; I'm sure it has an idea what it would like on the new barn after anteing up for the burned one. And perhaps your local building inspector is well versed in the modern codes and can offer advice.I'm not recommending any particular product here, but the information found on www.lightningrod.com includes a drawing of what installation of one of these systems should look like.(Have questions for Alan J. Heavens? E-mail him at aheavensphillynews.com or write him at The Inquirer, Box 8263, Philadelphia 19101.)