Lightning safety awareness week: What to know

And as I've been mentioning, we've got some thunder and lightning out there right now. 22 News Storm Team Meteorologist Adam Stremko is working for you with what you should do to protect yourself when lightning strikes. Well, Brian, this week is Lightning Safety Awareness Week, and it's important to take precautions if a thunderstorm is headed your way. While lightning may be fascinating to watch, it can also be potentially deadly. In the United States, there are between 20 and 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes each year. Lightning is hotter than the surface of the sun and can reach temperatures of 50,000 degrees. Lightning can strike from a distance as far as 10 miles away. On average, in the United States each year, lightning kills more than 20 people and leaves hundreds of others with long-term or even permanent health problems. To keep from being struck by lightning, it's important to know what to do when a thunderstorm approaches your location. You want to take shelter in a fully enclosed building and stay away from windows. Do not use a corded phone. You can use a cordless phone or a cell phone. Do not take a shower or bath. The plumbing can conduct electricity. If you're outside, do not take shelter under a tree. If the tree gets struck by lightning, it can go through the tree and into you. Stay out of the water. You don't want to be in a pool or a lake. Now, there is no safe place outside during a thunderstorm, so always remember, when thunder roars, go indoors. In 2025, 21 people were killed by lightning in the United States. So far this year, there has been one person killed by lightning in Wisconsin. Working for you, I'm 22 News Storm Team Meteorologist Adam Stremko.