NOAA National Weather Service Weather Forecast Office

 Lightning Safety Awareness Week

June 22 - 28, 2008

In the United States, there are an estimated 25 million lightning flashes each year. During the past 30 years, lightning killed an average of 62 people per year . This is more than the average of 54 deaths per year caused by tornadoes. Yet because lightning usually claims only one or two victims at a time and does not cause mass destruction of property, it is underrated as a risk. While documented lightning injuries in the United States average about 300 per year, undocumented injuries likely much higher.

This year, the  National Weather Service in Lincoln has partnered with IEMA (Illinois Emergency Management Agency) and IDNR (Illinois Department of Natural Resources) to increase the awareness of lightning safety.

  When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors!

Each day this week, the focus is on a different aspect of lightning.  Please click on the links below to access more information. 

Lightning Awareness  --  What is Lightning?  --  Lightning Safety Outdoors  -- 
 Lightning Safety Indoors  --  Medical Effects from Lightning

 There are also other links below to items of interest (including a page for our media partners, and one just for kids!) 

Pictures & Video

KIDS' PAGE (click here)

                     
Videoclip of lightning 
 Decatur on May 24, 2004.
Courtesy of SWOP observer
Paul Hadfield

Lightning in Forsyth, IL  
June 13, 2005. 
Photo by Paul Hadfield.
(Click image to enlarge)

     
    Other Links... 

 
Lightning and rainbow.
Photo by James Gluba, Bloomington, IL
(Click image to enlarge.)

• Lightning Safety Awareness MultiMedia page
• Lightning Statistics, Facts, and More