⚡ Lightning Safety Awareness Week: June 22–28, 2025⚡

June 22, 2025

“When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors” isn’t just a catchy phrase—it’s a lifesaving reminder.

Each year, lightning strikes the United States about 25 million times, and while fatalities have decreased from around 55 to fewer than 30 annually, hundreds of people are still seriously injured. Many of these injuries go unreported, and most occur during outdoor activities that could have been paused or relocated with a little planning.

Why Lightning Awareness Still Matters

Lightning is one of nature’s most fascinating phenomena—but also one of its most dangerous. It can strike from over 15 miles away, travel through plumbing and wiring, and hit the same place more than once (yes, the Empire State Building gets struck about 23 times a year). Despite its power, lightning is often underestimated, especially during summer when outdoor fun is in full swing. That’s why Lightning Safety Awareness Week, launched in 2001 by the National Weather Service, continues to play a vital role in public education. The goal? To reduce injuries and fatalities by helping people understand the risks and take action when storms threaten.

Know the Signs, Make a Plan

Here are some key safety tips to share with your family, friends, and community:

• If you hear thunder, go indoors. You’re close enough to be struck.
• Avoid water, plumbing, and electronics during a storm—even inside.
• Stay away from trees, open fields, and tall objects.
• Wait 30 minutes after the last thunderclap before resuming outdoor activities.
• Have a shelter plan for outdoor events, sports, or travel.

Lightning Myths—Busted

• Myth: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.
  Truth: It absolutely does. Tall structures like skyscrapers and towers are frequent targets.
• Myth: Rubber soles protect you.
  Truth: They don’t. It’s the shelter that matters, not your shoes.
• Myth: If it’s not raining, you’re safe.
  Truth: Lightning can strike miles ahead of a storm.

How You Can Help

• Share lightning safety tips on social media.
• Talk to kids about what to do if they’re caught outside.
• Encourage local organizations to have a storm safety plan.
• Follow your local National Weather Service office for daily lightning facts and graphics during the week.

Let’s Stay Safe Together

Whether you’re planning a picnic or just walking the dog, having a lightning safety plan can save lives. Share this post and help make our community storm-smart.