One of the simple joys of summers in the South is the cool relief a summer thunderstorm brings to an oppressively hot day. Common to thunderstorms, though, is the presence of lightning, one of the nation’s deadliest weather phenomena. 

As thunderstorm activity peaks in the summer months, so too do lightning-related fatalities and injuries. While strong storms may produce more lightning strikes, even relatively benign-looking thunderstorms produce lightning. There have already been seven lightning-related fatalities in the U.S. this year, with victims engaged in activities from riding a motorcycle to picking blueberries. 

Together with the National Weather Service, the Georgia Tech Office of Emergency Preparedness is encouraging the Tech community to review a few safety tips during Lightning Safety Awareness Week, which is observed June 22–28.

• When planning outdoor activities, know the forecast and monitor the development and movement of thunderstorms in your area. 
• Seeking shelter indoors is by far the best way to protect yourself and others from the risk of lightning. If you can hear thunder, then you are too close. Lightning can travel a significant distance from the center of a thunderstorm; just because it is not raining does not mean you are safe from lightning. You should wait at least 30 minutes from the last sign of lightning or thunder before resuming outdoor activity.
• If you or a child is involved with a sports team or other outdoor activity this summer, make sure the organization has established lightning protocols in place. For golfers, check with the clubhouse to see if they have an established alarm system. 
• Always err on the side of caution. Do not try to complete your activity before seeking shelter; instead, head indoors as soon as thunder roars.

For more information on lightning safety, visit the National Weather Service. For Georgia Tech emergency plans, procedures and tips, download the In Case of Crisis App.