Thunderstorms are common occurrences in the spring and summer months, a time when many people have outdoor activities planned. Wisconsin’s Lightning Safety Awareness Day, Tuesday, June 25th, is an opportunity to remind everyone of the dangers of lightning and the importance of ensuring you are safe when thunder roars. Lightning strikes kill an average of 47 people a year in the United States, according to the National Weather Service. Many of these situations could be prevented if people understood the dangers of lightning and what they need to do.
If you can hear thunder, you are close enough to be struck by lightning. Lightning can strike as far away as 10 miles from any rainfall. There is no safe place outside when there is a thunderstorm, and the danger continues after the storm has
appeared to pass. To ensure you are safe, you should remain inside a safe building or vehicle for at least 30 minutes after you hear the last thunder. Bobbi Hicken, Director of Communications and Emergency Management for Fond du Lac County, advises “Everyone needs to know the dangers of being outside during lightning storms and not be afraid to speak up and act when storms are approaching.”
