By William Beacom
UNDATED – Next week is Lightning Safety Awareness Week in Michigan. The National Weather Service says Michigan ranks 2nd in number of lightning related injuries nationwide. Lightning kills an average of about 60 people per year in the US, and injures about 300 people. Matt Zika, meteorologist from the NWS, says people must recognize the threat that lightning poses and take pre-cautionary measures.
Zika says to take cover in a building and stay away from the windows. Those outside at sporting events or in the outdoors should find cover in a hard top vehicle. If you are outside with no convenient shelter nearby, get low to the ground by crouching down. Do not lie down and stay away from trees and poles. For more information on lighting safety go online to www.weather.gov/mqt.