[Press Release] : Be aware of lightning dangers

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Contact: Scott Smith, Public Information, or Zim Schwartze, Interim OEM
Director - (573) 874-7400

Be aware of lightning dangers

COLUMBIA, MO (June 22, 2009) - As part of the observation of “Summer
Weather Safety Week”, the Columbia/Boone County Office of Emergency
Management (OEM) reminds residents that one of the deadliest dangers
posed by severe weather during the summer comes from lightning. This
week is also designated as “National Lightning Safety Week.”

“While wind, hail and tornadoes usually grab most of the headlines in
severe weather, lightning can be just as dangerous,” says Interim OEM
Director Zim Schwartze. “We were unfortunate to learn last week of
lightning’s deadly capabilities, when a young woman died from a strike
in Boone County. It’s important to remember that lightning is just as
dangerous as any other feature of severe weather.” 

The National Weather Service (NWS) says that on average, 62 people are
killed each year in the United States by lightning. Over the past 50
years, Missouri has recorded an average of two lightning-related deaths
per year. Seventy-three percent of lightning-related injuries and deaths
occur during the months of June, July and August. Although some victims
are struck directly by the lightning discharge, many are struck as the
current moves in and along the ground. 

The Office of Emergency Management has several materials available
concerning how to prepare for lightning and other storm-related
phenomenon. Those materials can be found at our Web site,
www.GoColumbiaMo.com/EM.

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