As summer storms become more frequent across Wisconsin, it’s important to stay alert and prepared—especially when it comes to the dangers of lightning. June 24 marks Wisconsin Lightning Safety Awareness Day, and it serves as a timely reminder to take lightning threats seriously.
According to the National Lightning Safety Council, 12 people lost their lives due to lightning strikes in the U.S. in 2024, with additional fatalities already reported in 2025. Since 2006, Wisconsin has recorded 10 lightning-related deaths, the most recent occurring in 2016 in Minocqua. Lightning remains a real and present hazard in our state and across the country.
Key Lightning Safety Tips
To reduce your risk of injury or death from lightning, consider these precautions recommended by ReadyWisconsin:
Monitor the Forecast: Check local weather conditions before heading outdoors. If thunderstorms are in the forecast, plan where you’ll seek shelter and how long it will take to get there.
Seek Shelter Immediately: If you hear thunder, move indoors or into a fully enclosed vehicle. Avoid open structures such as gazebos, picnic shelters, tents, or dugouts. The saying “When thunder roars, go indoors” is more than a slogan—it’s a lifesaving guideline.
Stay Clear of Water and Trees: Don’t take shelter under trees or near bodies of water like lakes and rivers. These locations increase the risk of being struck.
Avoid Electrical and Plumbing Fixtures Indoors: Stay off corded phones and away from computers or appliances that plug into the wall. Lightning can travel through electrical wiring and plumbing. Stay away from sinks, bathtubs, and windows during a storm.
Wait It Out: Remain indoors for at least 30 minutes after the last clap of thunder before returning outside.
Responding to a Lightning Strike: If someone is struck, call 911 immediately. If trained, begin CPR. A lightning strike victim does not carry an electrical charge and can be safely touched.
Preparedness Is Protection
At Marshfield Insurance, we encourage our clients and community members to take weather warnings seriously and plan ahead. By staying informed and knowing what to do, you can significantly reduce the risks posed by lightning.
For more safety information, visit ReadyWisconsin.