Gov. Kathleen Sebelius has proclaimed next week as Lightning Awareness Week.

During the past 30 years, lightning has killed an average of 73 people a year in the United States — higher than the average tornado death total.

Kansas ranks 25th in the number of lightning deaths, 22nd in injuries, and second in property damage reports.

Kansas Emergency Management, the National Weather Service and the American Red Cross are sponsors of the awareness campaign.

Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from a thunderstorm. If you can hear thunder, chances are you are in striking distance of lightning.