MADISON, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – As warm weather becomes more consistent during the summer months, Wisconsin emergency management officials are offering reminders on how to stay safe from lightning.
Tuesday is Lightning Safety Awareness Day in Wisconsin.
“When thunderstorms are in the area, it’s important to remember that outside is the last place you want to be,” Wisconsin Emergency Management administrator Darrell L. Williams said in a news release. “When you spot lightning or hear thunder, head indoors until the danger has passed.”
The National Lightning Safety Council says 17 people were killed by lightning strikes in 2020. At least two have been killed so far this year.
The most recent lightning-related death reported in Wisconsin was in Minocqua in 2016.
ReadyWisconsin says:
- Even if the sky directly overhead may be clear, lightning can travel several miles from the center of a storm. If thunder can be heard, lightning is close enough to strike nearby. The safest place to seek shelter is inside a sturdy, enclosed structure, such as a house.
- Never seek cover under a tree, get out of open areas and stay away from bodies of water, such as lakes or rivers. Even the inside of a car with a hard top is safer than being out in the open during a thunderstorm. If you are inside a vehicle, avoid touching metal surfaces.
- If a person with you is struck by lightning, health officials say you should immediately dial 911 and start performing CPR. Don’t be afraid to touch the victim — the human body does not hold an electrical charge.
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