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Lightning Safety Awareness Week: Raising awareness and saving lives
By Melanie Layden at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate)
· June 23, 2026
· 1 min read
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Every year in June, Lightning Safety Awareness Week serves as an important reminder of the dangers posed by lightning and the steps you can take to protect yourself during thunderstorms.National Lightning Safety Awareness Week started in 2001 in order to call attention t...
Key takeaway National Lightning Safety Awareness Week started in 2001 in order to call attention to lightning being an underrated killer.
Why this matters in The Nashville
In Nashville , the summer months bring an increased risk of thunderstorms, making Lightning Safety Awareness Week particularly relevant to the community. As residents enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, biking, or attending festivals, it's crucial to be aware of the dangers posed by lightning. The city's parks and green spaces, which are popular destinations during the summer, can quickly become hazardous during a thunderstorm. By understanding the risks and taking necessary precautions, Nashvillians can reduce their likelihood of being struck by lightning. The reduction in lightning fatalities nationwide since the launch of Lightning Safety Awareness Week is a testament to the effectiveness of public education campaigns, and Nashville can benefit from these efforts. By promoting critical safety messages and encouraging residents to monitor weather conditions, the city can help prevent lightning-related injuries and fatalities.
About this story
Original reporting by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . The Nashville surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: June 23, 2026 ·
Source: WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) ·
Reading time: 1 min
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Frequently asked about this story
What is this story about? NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Every year in June, Lightning Safety Awareness Week serves as an important reminder of the dangers posed by lightning and the steps you can take to protect yourself during thunderstorms.National Lightning Safety Awareness Week started in 2001 in order to call attention t...
When was this published? This article was first published on June 23, 2026 by WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate) and curated for The Nashville readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Melanie Layden at WSMV 4 News (NBC affiliate). To learn more about how The Nashville selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Nashville, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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