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This week has been declared Lightning Safety Awareness Week by the National Weather Service.

Andy Ervin, Meterologist with the National Weather Service in the Quad Cities says this is week is chosen as a way to remind everyone that lightning causes more deaths than tornadoes or hurricanes and July typically has the most lightning fatalities.  He says people need to be aware that lightning is in the area and should finish any outdoor activity whenever they hear thunder.

Ervin adds significant injuries occur from an indirect lightning shock and says the best place of safety is inside your home or a hard‑topped car.  He says counting the seconds between a lightning strike and thunder is a good rule, however lightning can strike up to 12 miles away from a thunderstorm.  For more information about lightning safety, look at this link.