A lightning rod is a metal rod or conductor installed on buildings and structures to protect them from lightning strikes. When lightning occurs, the rod provides a safe path for the electrical discharge to travel to the ground, reducing the risk of fire or damage to the structure. Typically made of copper or aluminum, lightning rods are often placed at the highest points of a building. They are connected to a grounding system, which disperses the electrical energy safely into the earth. This technology has been used for centuries, with notable figures like Benjamin Franklin contributing to its development.