[LouisVanDerWright]

All tall buildings have lightening rods which are effectively tiny spires. Electrical charges are drawn to a point so even a series of tiny rods will draw any lightening away from the parapet, mechanical screen, or facade of the building. Once the charge makes contact with the rod, it follows a cable down the building ultimately to the water main where it is launched into the earth. It's bizzare to think about, but all electrical services and most lightening rods are grounded out to the water main. Every time you see the Hancock or Sears get ripped by a big lightening strike it's actually following a cabel down the entire building and bring dumped off into the earth through the water line.