Lightning Safety

There are an estimated 25 million cloud-to-ground lightning flashes each year in the United States, nearly 800,000 of which occur in Illinois alone.
Lightning can be fascinating to watch, but it is also extremely dangerous – it is the underrated killer.
Each year in the United States, more than 1,000 people are struck by lightning.
The 10-year average was around 55 fatalities each year when Lightning Safety Awareness Week began in 2001. The 10-year average has now dropped to around 23 deaths per year.
Visit the NWS Lightning Safety Awareness web page for more information