ReadyWisconsin Header





For Immediate Release

Contact: [email protected]__

 

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 [ [link removed] ], 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 [link removed] [ [link removed] ]. You can also follow ReadyWisconsin on Facebook [ [link removed] ], X [ [link removed] ], and Instagram [ [link removed] ].

 

*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.

 

###

 

To see this content online, copy the following link and paste in your browser: [link removed]

________________________________________________________________________






For more safety tips follow us on Facebook (www.facebook.com/readywisconsin [ [link removed] ]), Twitter (www.twitter.com/readywisconsin [ [link removed] ]) and Instagram (www.instagram.com/readywisconsin [ [link removed] ]).






Bookmark and Share [ [link removed] ]

________________________________________________________________________

Update your subscriptions, modify your password or e-mail address, or stop subscriptions at any time on your Subscriber Preferences Page [ [link removed] ]. You will need to use your e-mail address to log in. If you have questions or problems with the subscription service, please contact subscriberhelp.govdelivery.com [ [link removed] ].

________________________________________________________________________

This email was sent to [email protected] using GovDelivery Communications Cloud on behalf of the State of Wisconsin Department of Military Affairs, which includes the Wisconsin Air and Army National Guard, Wisconsin Emergency Management, Wisconsin State Emergency Operations Center and the Office of Emergency Communications. • 2400 Wright Street • Madison, WI 53708-8111 • 800-335-5147. Visit us on the web at: [link removed] GovDelivery logo [ [link removed] ]