MADISON, Wis. – With the summer months just beginning, thunderstorms can develop quickly. One of the biggest dangers thunderstorms bring are lightning strikes. June 24 is Wisconsin Lightning Safety Awareness Day, and ReadyWisconsin encourages everyone to learn how to stay safe and be prepared before storms occur.
“Lightning is not just a seasonal or regional threat. It can occur in any state, at any time of day, and in any season,” said Wisconsin Emergency Management Administrator Greg Engle. “By understanding the risks and taking precautions, everyone can reduce injuries and fatalities caused by lightning.”
According to the National Lightning Safety Council, 12 people were killed by lightning in the United States and its territories in 2024. At least three people have been killed by lightning strikes in the U.S. so far this year. Since 2006, there have been 10 lightning-related deaths in Wisconsin. The most recent lightning-related death reported in Wisconsin was in Minocqua in September of 2016.
ReadyWisconsin recommends the following precautions to reduce the lightning risks:
- Pay attention to the forecast for the area you will be in. If there are thunderstorms, plan what you will do if lightning is spotted in the area. Know where you can seek shelter nearby and how long it will take to get there, or if you will have to leave because no shelter is available.
- Take immediate shelter indoors or inside a fully enclosed vehicle when you hear thunder. Remember, “When thunder roars, go indoors.” Avoid open shelters like gazebos, dugouts, tents and picnic canopies.
- Get out of open areas and stay away from bodies of water, such as lakes or rivers. Never take cover under a tree.
- While indoors, stay off corded phones, computers or other electrical equipment that puts you in direct contact with electricity. Avoid plumbing, including sinks, baths and faucets. Keep away from outside doors and windows. Lightning can travel through power or phone lines as well as plumbing pipes and open windows.
- Wait at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before going back outdoors.
If a person is struck by lightning, immediately dial 911. Start CPR if you are trained and certified. Do not be afraid to touch the victim – the human body does not hold an electrical charge.
For more information on lightning safety, visit ReadyWisconsin at http://readywisconsin.wi.gov. You can also follow ReadyWisconsin on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
About ReadyWisconsin
ReadyWisconsin is a public service campaign of Wisconsin Emergency Management, a division of the Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs. In alignment with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s national Ready campaign, ReadyWisconsin aims to educate and empower Wisconsinites to prepare for and respond to both natural and human-made emergencies, while engaging the public and boosting basic preparedness statewide. For more emergency preparedness resources, head to readywisconsin.wi.gov or follow ReadyWisconsin on Facebook, X, and Instagram for tips delivered straight to your feed.
