This week is lightning safety awareness week.

With severe storms that rolled through much of Illinois Monday afternoon, lightning strikes are much less deadly than they used to be. Chris Miller at the National Weather Service in Lincoln says any thunderstorm can produce lightning and any lightning strike that hits the ground can be devastating.

According to Miller, they have testimonies of individuals that have reported lightning enter an open window or front or back door. He indicates lightning isn't always deadly but it can be damaging to your long-term health. 

While decreases in fatalities and injuries from lightning have gone down, Miller says there is some sobering news that increases in fatalities among people who work or spend time outside are still dying from lightning strikes.

Miller indicates most storms with a rumble of thunder are going to produce lightning. He says random lightning strikes are very rare. He says when you hear the rumbles of thunder, get indoors and close the doors and windows. 

He also points out, 80-percent of lightning fatalities are men ages 20-50 years old.

This week weather.gov/lincoln will have several links to resources about lightning safety. Miller encourages the public to take a few minutes and browse through some of those.