COLUMBUS, Ohio (ADAMS) – The Ohio Emergency Management Agency (Ohio EMA), National Weather Service (NWS), and the Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (OCSWA) are promoting Lightning Safety Awareness Week (June 22 – 28, 2025) and encouraging all Ohioans to know what to do before, during, and after a thunderstorm, and to practice severe weather safety and preparedness throughout the summer.
Despite the fact that lightning-related incidents can be lessened by preparedness, lightning continues to injure and kill people across the U.S. and the world every year.
The Ohio Emergency Management Agency released the following:
Lightning can reach temperatures hotter than the surface of the sun—up to 50,000°F—and can strike up to 10 miles away from a storm. Each year in the U.S., lightning kills about 20 people and injures hundreds more, often with long-term consequences. There are many myths about lightning that still are widely believed. Knowing the difference between myth and truth when it comes to lightning can help you be informed and stay safe.
Common myths about lightning:
- Myth: Lightning never strikes the same place twice.
Truth: It absolutely can and often does, like on tall buildings.
- Myth: You’re safe if it’s not raining.
Truth: Lightning can strike before or after a storm, even with clear skies.
- Myth: Rubber tires or shoes protect you.
Truth: They don’t. It’s the metal roof and frame of a car that protect you.
This year, the Lightning Safety Council has designated each day of Lightning Safety Awareness Week with a theme to promote lightning safety awareness and education. View them below.
Sunday: An Introduction to Lightning Safety
Monday: The Science of Lightning and Thunder
Tuesday: Lightning Safety Outdoors
Wednesday: Lightning Safety Indoors
Thursday: Lightning Safety and Sports Activities
Friday: Medical Effects on Lightning Victims
Saturday: Protecting Your Home from Lightning
Learn more at the National Lightning Safety Council’s Website.
The following information can help keep you and your family safe from storms:
- Be weather aware. If the weather forecast calls for thunderstorms, consider postponing your trip or outdoor activity.
- Know the Weather Terms and understand the difference between a Thunderstorm Watch – Be Prepared and a Thunderstorm Warning – Take Action!
- “When thunder roars, go indoors!” Stop outdoor activities and seek a safe, enclosed shelter immediately. This includes all water activities.
- Suspend outdoor activities for at least 30 minutes after hearing the last clap of thunder.
- Know your area’s risk for lightning. Spring and summer are typical seasons for thunderstorms, though they can occur year-round and at any hour.
- Sign up for your local emergency notification system or download a weather app. The Emergency Alert System and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Weather Radio also provide emergency alerts.
- Consider buying surge protectors, lightning rods, or a lightning protection system to protect your home, appliances, and electronic devices.
If a thunderstorm warning has been issued for your area or you hear thunder, go inside immediately.
- Get out and away from bodies of water. If boating, fishing, or swimming, get to land and find a sturdy, grounded shelter or vehicle immediately.
- If indoors, avoid running water or using landline phones. Electricity can travel through plumbing and telephone lines.
- Protect your property. Unplug appliances and other electric devices.
- Watch for fallen power lines or broken tree limbs. Report hazards immediately.
- If power outages occur, report them to your utility provider. Don’t wait for a neighbor to report the outage.
- If using alternate power sources like a generator, always follow the manufacturer’s directions.
Ohio Committee for Severe Weather Awareness (OCSWA)
Ohio Emergency Management Agency
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