Lightning Safety Awareness Week Kicks Off This Monday

Monday, June 21 marks the first day of Lightning Safety Awareness Week. Started by the National Weather Service (NWS), this 7-day-long campaign aims to protect the public against the potential dangers of lightning.

So, how much of a problem are lightning strikes? According to NWS, lightning strikes kill an average of 50 people in the U.S. and injure an additional 1,000 each year. Most of these cases involve people who are either outside in open areas, at the swimming pool, on the lake, or in other outdoor areas. This has spurred the NWS to create the following motto for its Lightning Safety Awareness Week: "When lightning roars go indoors."

The NWS also reports that nearly 2 out of 3 fatal lightning strike incidents occur in the months of June, July, and August -- the time of year when individuals and families are enjoying the outdoors.

One of the worst places to be during a thunderstorm is underneath a tree. Some people assume trees are safe and will protect them against direct strikes. Granted, a large tree may absorb the blunt of the lighting strike, but it can also prove to be a deadly weapon when supercharged with roughly one billion volts of electricity. The massive influx of electricity can cause the trees to literally explode, sending shrapnel flying in all directions.

Rather than seeking refuge under a tree, individuals and families should go indoors at the first sign of a storm. According to one meteorologist, there's no such thing as a "safe place outside in a thunderstorm."

"The past several years there has been an increasing trend across the U.S. in lightning injuries and fatalities while people are taking part in outdoor activities, such as fishing, walking or sports events. Simply put - there is no safe place outside in a thunderstorm.  You must take shelter in a substantial building or hard-topped vehicle to stay safe," said Chris Miller, meteorologist for the National Weather Service.

Safety Tips To Follow During a Thunderstorm:

• Avoid bathing, showering, washing the dishes, or using the water for any other purposes during a thunderstorm.
• If you can hear thunder, you are close enough for lightning to strike. Stay indoors until the storm has passed and you no longer hear thunder.
• Unplug major home appliances when a storm approaches.
• Stay away from the doors and windows until the storm has passed.
• Turn off the air conditioner.
• Tune in to your local weather station via the radio.
• Draw the blinds over your windows to protect against broken glass.