This week, June 24-30, is the 12th Lightning Safety Awareness Week. Since the campaign began, the average number of lightning deaths in the U.S. has decreased from 73 to 54. That’s great progress, but lightning continues to be one of the top storm-related killers in the United States. In addition, lightning injures many more people than it kills and leaves some victims with life-long health problems.Join us in becoming “A Force of Nature,” and follow these steps to increase your lightning safety.Know your risk: The best way to protect yourself from lightning is to avoid the threat. You simply don’t want to be caught outside in a storm. Check the weather forecast regularly, sign up for local alerts from emergency management officials and/or private industry, and get a NOAA Weather Radio.Take action: When thunder roars, go indoors! Have a lightning safety plan, and cancel or postpone activities early if thunderstorms are expected. Get to a safe place before the weather becomes threatening. Substantial buildings and hard-topped vehicles are safe options. Rain shelters, small sheds, and open vehicles are NOT safe. Stay indoors for 30 minutes after the last thunder clap. Once indoors, do not use corded phones and keep away from plumbing and electrical equipment, such as computers and kitchen appliances.Be an example: Building a Weather-Ready Nation requires the action of each and every one of us. Once you have taken action, tell your family, friends, school staff and co-workers about how they can avoid the danger of lightning. Studies show that individuals need to receive messages a number of ways before acting – be one of those sources. Social media provides a good way to model preparedness actions for others.Learn more at NOAA’s Lightning Safety site at:www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov and Weather-Ready Nation http://www.nws.noaa.gov/com/weatherreadynation/ and encourage the rest of your community to ”Be a Force of Nature.”