Recommendations for Lighting Safety

1. Establish a chain of command that identifies who is to make the call to remove individuals from the field.

2. Name a designated weather watcher. (A person who actively looks for the signs of threatening weather and notifies the chain of command if severe weather becomes dangerous.)

3. Have a means of monitoring local weather forecasts and warnings.

4. Designate a safe shelter for each venue.

5. Use the Flash-to-Bang count to determine when to go to safety. By the time the flash-to-bang count approaches thirty seconds, all individuals should already be inside a safe structure.

6. Once activities have been suspended, wait at least thirty minutes following the last sound of thunder or lightening flash prior to resuming an activity or returning outdoors.

7. Avoid being the highest point in an open field, in contact with or proximity to the highest point, as well as being on the open water. Do not take shelter under or near trees, flagpoles, or light poles.

8. Assume the lightning safe position (crouched on the ground, weight on the balls of the feet, feet together head lowered, and ears covered) for individuals who feel their hair stand on end, skin tingle or hear "cracking" noises. Do not lie flat on the ground.

9. Observe the following basic first aid procedures in managing victims of a lightening strike: Survey the scene for safety Activate local EMS Lightning victims do not carry a charge and are safe to touch If necessary, move the victim with care to a safer location Evaluate airway, breathing, and circulation, and begin CPR if necessary Evaluate and treat for hypothermia, shock, fractures, and/or burns

10. All individuals have the right to leave an athletic site in order to seek a safe structure if the person feels in danger of impending lightning activity, without fear or repercussions or penalty from anyone.

Safe Shelter

1. A safe location is any substantial, frequently inhabitant building. The building should have four walls (not a dug out), electrical and telephone wiring, as well as plumbing, all of which are in grounding a structure.

2. The secondary choice for a safer location from the lightning hazard is a fully enclosed vehicle with a metal roof and the windows completely closed. It is important not to touch any part of the metal framework of the vehicle while inside it during ongoing thunderstorms.

3. It is not safe to shower, bathe or talk on landline phones while inside of a safe shelter during thunderstorms (cell phones are OK).

Flash-To-Bang To ensure the flash-to-bang method, begin counting when sighting a lightning flash. Counting is stopped when the associated bang (thunder) is heard. Divide this count by five to determine the distance of the lightening flash (in miles). For example, a flash-to-bang count of thirty seconds equates to a distance of six miles. Lightening has struck from as far away as 10 miles from the storm center. "If  you hear it, clear it; if you see it, flee it."

Postpone or suspend activity if a thunderstorm appears imminent before or during an activity or contest, (irrespective of whether lightening is seen or thunder heard) until the hazard has passed. Signs of imminent thunderstorm activity are darkening clouds, high winds, and thunder or lightening activity.