Lightning safety in focus this week

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) - In a coordinated effort with the National Weather Service, the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness has issued June 24-30 as Lightning Safety Awareness Week, and encourages all Ohioans to practice lightning and severe storm safety and preparedness throughout the summer.

According to the National Weather Service, there have been four lightning fatalities this year: two men in Louisiana, a 12-year-old boy in Alabama, and a man in Florida. All were outside either playing or fishing and had inadequate shelter. Twenty-six people died of lightning strikes in 2011, including one man in Westchester, Ohio. Twenty-nine people died in 2010.

Although the number of lightning fatalities has decreased over the years, lightning continues to be one of the top three storm-related killers in the country.
There is no safe place outside during a thunderstorm. The best way to protect oneself from lightning is to avoid the threat. Performing this simple measure can dramatically reduce the chance of severe injury or death during a storm: When thunder roars, go indoors.

Ohio averages 30-50 days of thunderstorm activity annually, with summertime as its peak season. The purpose of Lightning Safety Awareness Week is to help safeguard people from the hazards of lightning and to lower the number of deaths and injuries caused by lightning strikes. Have a lightning safety plan. Check WDTN's forecast daily. Cancel or postpone outdoor activities if thunderstorms are predicted.