LPI Shares Lightning Safety & Protection Resources as a "Force of Nature" during National Severe Weather Preparedness Week

MARYVILLE, Mo., March 5, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In conjunction with National Severe Weather Preparedness Week March 3-9, 2013, the Lightning Protection Institute (LPI) is reminding its members and the public to Be a Force of Nature and better prepare for severe weather threats, including the often underrated threat of lightning.  Lightning protection experts from around the U.S. recently met in Las Vegas for the annual LPI/ULPA Lightning Protection Conference and discussed ways that LPI members can Be a Force of Nature by knowing the lightning risk, taking action, spreading education and serving as an example.

Sponsored by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), National Severe Weather Preparedness Week is a nationwide effort to increase awareness of severe weather and to motivate individuals, families, businesses, and communities to take actions that will prepare them in the event of severe weather.

Each year, individuals are killed or seriously injured by lightning, tornadoes and other types of severe weather, despite advance warning. In 2012, there were more than 450 weather-related fatalities and nearly 2,600 injuries. Severe weather knows no boundaries and affects every individual. Lightning is a leading storm-related killer and is also responsible for more than a billion dollars in property damage each year.

"Lightning is the poor cousin to the other risks; it is quite frankly a very underrated disaster," said Jeanne Salvatore, senior vice president, public affairs of the Insurance Information Institute (I.I.I.), a LPI/ULPA conference participant. "I.I.I. has a library of fun and interesting resources to educate yourself and your loved ones about this dangerous risk," added Salvatore.  Visit www.iii.org to access I.I.I. resources. 

"Severe Weather Preparedness Week is a good time to remind individuals, families and communities about lightning safety and lightning protection measures," said Bud VanSickle, LPI executive director.  "LPI's annual conference provided a timely forum for partners and lightning experts to share information about lightning protection research, safety programs and educational resources about this weather hazard," added VanSickle.    

For information about lightning safety, protection and LPI's campaign to help build lightning safe communities visit www.lightning-risk.org or www.lightning.org/blog.

More information and ideas on how you can Be a Force of Nature can be found at www.ready.gov/severeweather. Information on the different types of severe weather such as tornadoes, severe thunderstorms and flooding is available at www.weather.gov or the Spanish-language web site www.listo.gov.  Information about lightning safety is available at www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov.

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.  For information about lightning protection and national safety standards, visit the LPI website at www.lightning.org.

SOURCE Lightning Protection Institute