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State Officials Urge Lightning Safety
(IRN) -- June 19-25 is Lightning Safety Awareness Week. The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) has developed a slogan to remind people to take cover when thunderstorms approach: "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors."

Jim Ciulla a construction worker who lives in Lexington was struck by lightning a year ago (July 6, 2010) as he worked as a flagger for a road crew in in Woodford County. He suffered first and second-degree burns. His injuries were so severe that he still cannot work.

He is working with IEMA and the National Weather Service to remind people how dangerous lightning is.

According to the National Weather Service, 55 people are killed and more than a thousand injured by lightning strikes in the U.S. every year. An estimated two-thirds of these incidents occur outdoors at recreational events and near trees.

The slogan -- "When Thunder Roars, Go Indoors" -- suggests people should move to shelter when it thunders, even if the thunderstorm isn’t directly overhead. Lightning can strike from as far away as 10 miles.

The best shelter is inside a substantial building with the windows and doors closed. If a building is not available, go inside a hard-topped vehicle and close the windows.

(Illinois Radio Network)
06 21 11 by Newsroom
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