Lightning is the second greatest storm–related killer in the United States. While the National Weather Service (NWS) issues warnings for floods, tornadoes, hurricanes, and severe thunderstorms, the NWS relies on a public understanding of lightning to reduce lightning casualties. Public education and awareness are key components to helping people understand lightning and the danger it poses. People are more likely to respond to the threats posed by lightning if they understand the science behind those threats. As part of this effort, the NWS continues to update and improve the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA's) lightning safety web site. During 2007, an up-to-date list of lightning fatalities was added to the site including demographic information on lightning incidents. The web site not only serves as a primary source for accurate and consistent of information for the public, but also provides information for educators and the media. In addition, NOAA has declared the last full week in June as Lightning Safety Awareness Week and has worked with various organizations and agencies involved with outdoor activities to help deliver lightning safety messages.

In this paper, a review of the various materials available from NOAA's lightning web site, including recent trends in lightning fatalities in the U.S., will be discussed. An analysis of U.S. lightning fatalities over the past few years will also be included.