The death of an elderly Janesville couple last summer in Washington D.C. highlights the importance of recognizing Lightning Safety Awareness Day in Wisconsin.

Wisconsin Emergency Management Public Information Officer Katie Rousonelos says 19 people were struck and killed by lightning in the United States last year.

Rousonelos says the safest place to be during a thunderstorm is indoors.

If a person is struck by lightning, immediately dial 911 and start performing CPR. Do not be afraid to touch the victim – the human body does not hold an electrical charge.

76-year-old James Mueller and 75-year-old Donna Mueller were killed when they were struck by lightning while sheltering under a tree last August.