I've tried to do a little research on this and some say there is some added protection from direct antennae strike while others seem to think otherwise. The common theme I noted is that an antennae in the attic could still accumulate energy from an
indirect strike and channel it down the feed line. So that leaves me wondering if grounding the attic antenna to a house ground and utilizing an I.C.E device on the feed line should suffice.
I guess my biggest question is would an antennae in the attic make the house more likely to be struck by lightning? Antennas in the attic or not, I'd image a direct strike on the house is going to cause allot of damage throughout the house based on standard building codes.
The signal degradation, antennae insulation (fire hazard), RF interference, Bio hazard concerns are all noted. I think allot of these can be mitigated by a thoughtful installation and attention to when the antennae is utilized (wife out shopping; kids at school; tx power as you mentioned). But I am talking myself into what I want.
My predicament is I do not want to make this into a major hobby as I have enough of those already. The radio would be for emergencies and occasional use to familiarize myself with it (I say that now). So I really do not want to get into a properly bonded ground system so I can string up permanent external antennas all of which I don't want to see anyhow.
Although an option, I'd prefer not to have to put up temporary (field expedient) antennas outside every time I decide to switch on the radio. But I if that is the best option considering, and I can only use it on fair weather days, then that is what I'll have to work with.
D@mn.. this is allot of work.. but I think still a better, cover all bases, SHTF comms option than even a Sat phone
Edited: For Grammar