Metal antenna structures that are anchored into the ground are inherently self-protected. Some radio systems antennas and beams may be unlikely to be damaged by direct lightning strokes, but they should be bonded to metal supporting structures to eliminate arcing. If the ability of an antenna to withstand direct lightning strokes is doubtful, Lightning rods atop the tower or supporting structure, to intercept strokes should be provided where the transmission pattern permits.

Lightning rods may be attached directly to a metallic supporting structure and should protrude sufficiently above vulnerable elements to provide an adequate "cone of protection". Top lighting fixtures may also be subject to damage if they are not properly shielded. Metallic antenna towers, either guyed or self-supporting, provide an excellent conducting path for stroke currents but the footings, base, and guy anchors of such structures must be properly connected to suitable grounding electrodes.

When wood poles are used to support antennas a lightning rod should be provided at the top of the pole to intercept strokes.  This lightning rod should have a large size ground wire cadwelded to it and routed to a good ground system. This will give protection against pole splitting and possible antenna damage.  In a common arrangement, a ground rod is attached to the pole with one end protruding sufficiently above the top of the pole to provide a suitable cone of protection.  A #6 AWG (or larger), solid, bare copper, down conductor is connected to the rod and stapled directly to the pole on the side opposite the coax or transmission line to the antenna.  All pole-top hardware, the antenna, and any supporting guys should be bonded to this grounding conductor.

At the base of the pole the shields of lines, equipment cabinets, and any other conducting objects should be bonded to the down lead which then must be connected to the common area ground system similar to that shown below.

Your site should not contain an independent ground(s). ALL grounds should be connected together as shown in the illustration above. A single point (common) ground is noted by the Master Ground Bar or MGB, as shown.   Ground rods are chemical rod systems that are used in areas where grounds are hard to achieve.

For those who want top level lightning protection, here are a few of the current generation in lightning protection devices.

A Secondary Lightning Protector

Remember the axiom; "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."  This lightning protector contains a modified spark gap that provides that ounce of prevention.  We offer this device as a secondary radio protector.   Remember, there is no substitute for a good earth ground, AC line surge, and spike protection. 

Keep all ground leads as short as possible.   Where lightning is involved, we make no warranties.

4.99 each        Order No. 7516

FYI... No inline device will protect against a powerful, direct lightning hit.

The industry "work-horse" is the model 3710 (and 3730) Ground Tester. I consider my model model 3730 to be one of the most "user friendly" devices that I have ever used to test an existing ground system at communications sites. 
 

Here are some rules of safety that could help save your life if lightning threatens.

1. Stay indoors, and don't venture outside, unless absolutely necessary.
    
2. Stay away from open doors and windows, fireplaces, radiators, stoves, metal pipes, sinks, and plug-in electrical appliances.
    
3. Don't use plug-in electrical equipment like hair dryers, electric tooth brushes, or electric razors during the storm.
    
4. Don't use the telephone during the storm; lightning may strike telephone lines outside.
    
5. Don't take laundry off the clothesline.
    
6. Don't work on fences, telephone or power lines, pipelines, or structural steel fabrication.
    
7. Don't use metal objects like fishing rods and golf clubs. Golfers wearing cleated shoes are particularly good lightning-rods.
8. Don't handle flammable materials in open containers.
    
9. Stop yard work, especially when the mower or tractor is pulling metal equipment, and dismount. Tractors and other implements in metallic contact with the ground are sometimes struck by lightning.
    
10. Keep away from water and off small boats.
     
11. Stay in your automobile if you are traveling. Automobiles offer excellent lightning protection.
     
12. Seek shelter in buildings. If no buildings are available, your best protection is a cave, ditch, canyon, or under head-high clumps of trees in open forest glades.
     
13. When there is no shelter, avoid the highest object in the area. If only isolated trees are nearby, your best protection is to crouch in the open, keeping twice as far away from isolated trees as the trees are high.
     
14. Avoid hill tops, open spaces, wire fences, metal clothes lines, exposed sheds, and any electrically conductive elevated objects.
     
15. When you feel an electrical charge; if your hair stands on end or your skin tingles; lightning may be about to strike you. Drop to a prone position immediately!