Lightning: The Weather Threat that Affects Most People, in Most Regions, Most of the Time

News provided by

Jun 24, 2019, 11:08 ET

MARYVILLE, Mo., June 24, 2019 /PRNewswire/ -- Despite being the weather threat that impacts the most people, most of the time and in most areas of the U.S., lightning remains a misunderstood and underrated danger. Recognizing the misconceptions and apathy connected with the threat, the Lightning Protection Institute (LPI) is shining a light on the toll lightning takes on people and communities across the U.S.

Lightning protection systems that comply with national Safety Standards can safeguard structures against a deadly and destructive weather threat.

It’s ironic that lightning remains an underrated threat, when it’s actually the weather peril that affects most people, most of the time, in most regions of the U.S. In support of this year’s National Lightning Safety Awareness Week campaign, the Lightning Protection Institute is stressing the importance of building lightning safe communities to protect people, property and places.

"As the media continues to share daily reports of costly lightning incidents and devastating home and building fires sparked by lightning, we are reminding property owners, builders, insurance providers and fire safety officials that these losses can be prevented when lightning protection systems are installed for structures," said Bud VanSickle, executive director for the Lightning Protection Institute.

In support of this year's National Lightning Safety Awareness Week campaign, LPI is partnering with the National Lightning Safety Council (NLSC) to stress the importance of protecting people, property and places.

"June 23-29 is National Lightning Safety Awareness Week, and a good time to understand more about the dangers of lightning and learn simple, yet important, lightning safety guidelines," said John Jensenius, director of the National Lightning Safety Council. "When people understand the dangers, they can make more informed decisions to protect themselves, their family and their property."

"Lightning is truly the 'universal' weather peril—impacting nearly everyone at some time or another," explained VanSickle. "To illustrate lightning's widespread impact, LPI created a new infographic which highlights media reports of lightning incidents in every state of the country."

LPI has educational resources for property owners, builders, designers and insurance providers looking to learn more about lightning's risk and understand the benefits that safety standard compliant lightning protection systems provide for structures.

People looking to learn more about lightning safety, risk reduction and the annual Lightning Safety Awareness Week Campaign can visit www.lightningsafetycouncil.org.

About the Lightning Protection Institute
The Lightning Protection Institute (LPI) is a not-for-profit, nationwide group founded in 1955 to promote lightning safety, awareness and education and is a leading resource for lightning protection information and system requirements. Visit the LPI website at www.lightning.org for more information.

SOURCE Lightning Protection Institute