Lightning Safety Lightning Facts n Lightning is dangerousobvious
![Lightning Safety Lightning Safety](https://slidetodoc.com/presentation_image_h/161ed12f5749892bb29ffcb6ca61e350/image-1.jpg)
Lightning Safety
![](http://slidetodoc.com/presentation_image_h/161ed12f5749892bb29ffcb6ca61e350/image-2.jpg)
![Lightning Facts n Lightning is dangerous—(obvious) ¨ often n n overlooked as sports risk Lightning Facts n Lightning is dangerous—(obvious) ¨ often n n overlooked as sports risk](http://slidetodoc.com/presentation_image_h/161ed12f5749892bb29ffcb6ca61e350/image-3.jpg)
Lightning Facts n Lightning is dangerous—(obvious) ¨ often n n overlooked as sports risk Second leading cause of weather-related deaths in U. S. Kills over 100 people each year Severely injures hundreds more Sports associations & officials need to have a plan in place
![Why Overlooked in Planning for Risks? n n Unpredictable—don’t know when / where will Why Overlooked in Planning for Risks? n n Unpredictable—don’t know when / where will](http://slidetodoc.com/presentation_image_h/161ed12f5749892bb29ffcb6ca61e350/image-4.jpg)
Why Overlooked in Planning for Risks? n n Unpredictable—don’t know when / where will Unpredictable strike Uncontrollable—can’t stop lightning, so feel Uncontrollable powerless to avoid danger Uninformed—ignorance is bliss Uninformed Unnecessary pressure—participants “little rain pressure won’t hurt” (uninformed) ¨ important game ¨ close score ¨ fear of being second guessed
![Contest Officials Must Make the Hard Calls n Participants are responsible for their own Contest Officials Must Make the Hard Calls n Participants are responsible for their own](http://slidetodoc.com/presentation_image_h/161ed12f5749892bb29ffcb6ca61e350/image-5.jpg)
Contest Officials Must Make the Hard Calls n Participants are responsible for their own safety n But, officials play an important role in minimizing risks
![Keys to Making Safe Calls 1. Get EDUCATED—learn about the risks and inform other Keys to Making Safe Calls 1. Get EDUCATED—learn about the risks and inform other](http://slidetodoc.com/presentation_image_h/161ed12f5749892bb29ffcb6ca61e350/image-6.jpg)
Keys to Making Safe Calls 1. Get EDUCATED—learn about the risks and inform other participants 2. Make a PLAN—know what to do BEFORE risk presents 3. Keep it in PERSPECTIVE—put safety above all else—IT’S JUST A GAME
![Action Plan n n Develop a plan ahead of time and stick to it Action Plan n n Develop a plan ahead of time and stick to it](http://slidetodoc.com/presentation_image_h/161ed12f5749892bb29ffcb6ca61e350/image-7.jpg)
Action Plan n n Develop a plan ahead of time and stick to it The plan should apply to all activities—warm up, practice, game Include details about: n Who is in charge n When to stop play n Where to go n When to resume play
![WHO IS IN CHARGE? Establish chain of command with one person designated to watch WHO IS IN CHARGE? Establish chain of command with one person designated to watch](http://slidetodoc.com/presentation_image_h/161ed12f5749892bb29ffcb6ca61e350/image-8.jpg)
WHO IS IN CHARGE? Establish chain of command with one person designated to watch weather (may be contest official or game manager, but decide in advance) Person in charge: n Observe / be aware of conditions at all times n Monitor the forecast / Nat’l Weather Service warnings, watches n Stop play if dangerous conditions exist n Remove participants from field n Warn spectators to seek shelter n Provide information on shelter n Keep participants informed so they can make responsible decisions n
![When to Stop Play? n n n Use common sense / good judgment Put When to Stop Play? n n n Use common sense / good judgment Put](http://slidetodoc.com/presentation_image_h/161ed12f5749892bb29ffcb6ca61e350/image-9.jpg)
When to Stop Play? n n n Use common sense / good judgment Put SAFETY FIRST Postpone / suspend if thunderstorm appears imminent ¨ ¨ ¨ n n Darkening clouds High winds Sudden increase in humidity Lightning can strike miles from storm and first strike can be deadly May need to suspend even BEFORE first sight of lightning / sound of thunder Listen to participants—are they concerned? Individuals should not face repercussions or penalty if they leave to seek shelter
![Where to Go? n n No place is absolutely safe Some places are better Where to Go? n n No place is absolutely safe Some places are better](http://slidetodoc.com/presentation_image_h/161ed12f5749892bb29ffcb6ca61e350/image-10.jpg)
Where to Go? n n No place is absolutely safe Some places are better than others ¨ Large, enclosed structures (plumbing, electrical wiring, phone lines) ¨ Vehicle—not first choice, but can be reasonable alternative IF Ø Metal roof Ø Fully enclosed Ø Avoid metal surfaces within car Ø Not golf cart or convertible
![n Areas of high elevation n Wide open areas (contest fields) n Tall, isolated n Areas of high elevation n Wide open areas (contest fields) n Tall, isolated](http://slidetodoc.com/presentation_image_h/161ed12f5749892bb29ffcb6ca61e350/image-11.jpg)
n Areas of high elevation n Wide open areas (contest fields) n Tall, isolated objects (trees, poles) n Metal fences / bleachers n Unprotected buildings—dugouts, picnic pavilions, rain shelters, bus stops
![When to Resume Play? n Wait AT LEAST 30 minutes after last lightning seen When to Resume Play? n Wait AT LEAST 30 minutes after last lightning seen](http://slidetodoc.com/presentation_image_h/161ed12f5749892bb29ffcb6ca61e350/image-12.jpg)
When to Resume Play? n Wait AT LEAST 30 minutes after last lightning seen or thunder heard n If at minute 25, see / hear more activity, start the count over n Do NOT rely on clear sky, lack of rainfall
![When to Resume Play? n Even if storm moved on, lightning risk may remain When to Resume Play? n Even if storm moved on, lightning risk may remain](http://slidetodoc.com/presentation_image_h/161ed12f5749892bb29ffcb6ca61e350/image-13.jpg)
When to Resume Play? n Even if storm moved on, lightning risk may remain because storm can be miles from lightning n Do not shorten the 30 minute rule n Do not resume play if any threat remains
![n Use common sense / good judgment / make the hard (safe) call n n Use common sense / good judgment / make the hard (safe) call n](http://slidetodoc.com/presentation_image_h/161ed12f5749892bb29ffcb6ca61e350/image-14.jpg)
n Use common sense / good judgment / make the hard (safe) call n ALL TIMES GO TO SAFETY—when in doubt, suspend play n A game can ALWAYS be made up
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