Take Cover! How to Protect Yourself from Lightning Strikes

Intense storms are a recurring reality across the United States, making it crucial to understand how to protect yourself from one of nature's most dangerous hazards: lightning strikes. Knowing the risks and what to do when a storm rolls in can be lifesaving.

The Decline of Lightning-Related Fatalities in the United States

The long-term trend in lightning-related deaths in the U.S. is encouraging. Between 1991 and 2001, an average of roughly 54 people per year died from lightning strikes. When the first national lightning safety awareness campaign launched in 2001, that figure stood at approximately 50 deaths annually. Since then, the number has dropped significantly. The most recent 10-year average (2015–2024) stands at about 20 deaths per year, a testament to improved safety awareness and public education.

That said, every fatality represents a preventable loss, and lightning remains a serious threat to anyone spending time outdoors.