Originally published June 25, 2015 5:45 a.m.
It’s Lightning Safety Awareness Week across the nation. More deaths are caused by lightning during June, July and August than at any other time of the year.
According to the National Weather Service, between 2006 and 2014, there were more than 60 lightning-related deaths during the month of June, almost 100 in July, and more than 40 in August.
[Related: What is the Heat Index and How is it Calculated?]
Of course, thunderstorms aren’t just limited to the summer months. Lightning strikes the U.S. about 25 million times each year. Lightning deaths are most common between the ages of 10 and 60 and about 81 percent of victims are male.
[Related: Staying Safe from Thunderstorms]
If you hear thunder, that means the storm is close enough to you that you could possibly be struck. You should go indoors immediately and stay there for 30 minutes after hearing the last rumble of thunder. Also, while inside during a storm, do not use electrical devices or run water.
Lightning is the second leading weather-related cause of death in Georgia.
That's Rich 
Leave a Reply