Be aware of severe weather dangers Published June 25, 2013 By Steve Serrette 72nd Air Base Wing Safety Office Tinker Public Affairs -- Summer is the peak season for one of the nation's deadliest weather phenomena -- lightning. In the United States, an average of 54 people are reported killed each year by lightning. In many parts of the world where Airmen are stationed, summer storms can seem to appear out of nowhere. In addition to lightning, tornadoes are some of nature's most violent storms, as evidenced by the recent twisters in the local area. Spawned from powerful thunderstorms, tornadoes can cause fatalities and devastate a neighborhood in seconds. Damage paths can be in excess of one mile wide and 50 miles long. Every state is at some risk from this hazard. Some tornadoes are clearly visible, while rain or nearby low-hanging clouds obscure others. Occasionally, tornadoes develop so rapidly that little, if any, advance warning is possible. Wherever you are, being prepared and aware of the dangers of severe weather can protect you and your family. For more information, visit: · http://www.accuweather.com/en/features/ summer-road-trips/road-trip-survival-recognizing/66609 · http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/ · http://www.nws.noaa.gov/om/ severeweather/index.shtml · http://www.abc2news.com/dpp/ weather/safety/indoor-lightning-safety-tips · http://environment.nationalgeographic .com/environment/natural-disasters/tornado-safety-tips/ · http://www.ready.gov/tornadoes Senior Airman James Heady, a member of the Airman-to-Airman Safety Advisory Council, experienced the effects weather can have. To see his story and others like it or to contact an A2A member, visit www.af.mil/specials/AirmantoAirman/index .html or contact your major command A2A POC, which can be found on the A2A site under "Contact Us".