Surges will kill your modem and your computer someday unless:

Your PC, monitor, printer, scanner, modem, etc. should all be plugged into a good Computer Surge Protector, not an ordinary Power Bar.  A Power Bar is totally useless in protecting any electronic equipment.  By the time it switches off in an overload or surge you would lose everything!

If your Surge Protector does not have connections for your phone line, it is not good enough for your PC and without one, I guarantee you, you will lose your modem someday. 

Plug your computer and everything it uses into your Surge Protector which is then plugged into a grounded wall outlet.

For your modem, plug the phone line that comes from the wall into the "In" connection on the Surge Protector.  Run a second line from the "Out" connection of the Surge Protector to the "Line" connection of your modem in the back of your PC.

Speaking of your phone line--do not run a phone wire any longer than necessary from an outlet.  Preferably use a phone wire that has 4 wires in it for a stronger connection.  Do not run the wire close to a refrigerator, air conditioner, or any appliance with a motor.  The motor can cause interference with your Internet connection and knock you off line.

You can find good PC Surge Protectors wherever computer products are sold.  Expect to pay from $15.00 to $30.00 for a good one.  You do not need one with Power Backup unless you use your computer for business and run the risk of losing important info or disconnection while working, in the event of a power failure.