World Lightning Protection Day: VDE informs about dangers and protective measures

(Frankfurt a. M., 27.06.2025) 209,619 lightning strikes were recorded in Germany alone in 2024. However, this natural spectacle doesn't just bring dark clouds, rolling thunder and sky lights. The electrical discharge can generate temperatures of over 30,000 degrees Celsius, which can set entire buildings on fire and, in the worst case, claim lives. Particularly in summer, when thunderstorms occur more frequently, the risk of direct lightning strikes to people increases - especially in large outdoor areas such as soccer pitches or at festivals. Many people are at risk of being struck by lightning at the same time, and this also applies to climbing routes, roof terraces and parking decks.

To coincide with World Lightning Protection Day and the upcoming festival and open-air season, the VDE has now published new technical information for event organizers (German version), safety planners and authorities. It presents organizational protective measures such as continuous weather monitoring, a clearly defined lightning protection plan, early evacuation in the event of a thunderstorm warning and the clear marking of safe zones. Information on technical measures such as external and internal lightning protection and surge protection are also covered in this VDE information.

Expertise for emergencies

The VDE pools its expertise on this topic in the Lightning Protection Committee+ Lightning Research (VDE ABB), the experts make specific recommendations and provide comprehensive information material at. "Our aim is to prevent damage caused by lightning strikes with preventive technologies - this can save lives," emphasizes Thomas Raphael from the VDE ABB office. "A building with a lightning protection system offers good protection for people. This captures lightning and conducts it into the ground." This is particularly important for critical infrastructures such as hospitals, emergency services, data centers, the military or electricity, gas and water supplies - wherever life and safety are at stake. Additional measures may then be required to protect people and technology from electrical surges or electromagnetic fields (shielding). These ensure functionality and security of supply and therefore also serve to protect people.

The VDE provides information for specialists, event organizers, authorities and private individuals at www.vde.com/lightning-protection.

Information on World Lightning Protection Day

The day of remembrance on June 28 has its origins in a tragedy: in 2011, 18 pupils in Uganda lost their lives when lightning struck their classroom. Since then, this day has been celebrated in Germany under the motto "Lightning protection PROTECTS lives".

About VDE

VDE, one of the largest technology organizations in Europe, has been regarded as a synonym for innovation and technological progress for more than 130 years. VDE is the only organization in the world that combines science, standardization, testing, certification, and application consulting under one umbrella. The VDE mark has been synonymous with the highest safety standards and consumer protection for more than 100 years. 

Our passion is the advancement of technology, the next generation of engineers and technologists, and lifelong learning and career development “on the job”. Within the VDE network more than 2,000 employees at over 60 locations worldwide, more than 100,000 honorary experts, and around 1,500 companies are dedicated to ensuring a future worth living: networked, digital, electrical.  
Shaping the e-dialistic future. 

The VDE (VDE Association for Electrical, Electronic & Information Technologies) is headquartered in Frankfurt am Main. For more information, visit www.vde.com