Lightning Safety Prevalence of Lightning Occurrences In US

Prevalence of Lightning Occurrences • In US, 42 fatalities per year; 10 times as

Lightning Safety Formalize a Emergency Action Plan for lightning safety – Promote lightning safety

Determining Safe and Unsafe locations from lightning Safe locations include: – Facilities with wiring

Criteria for Postponing and Resuming Activities • Postpone or suspend if thunderstorm appears imminent

Large Venue Planning • Pre planning is vital – Have enough safe areas for

First Aid for Victims of Lightning Strikes • Move to safe area when you

Insert Your Institution’s Lightning Policy Below

References • Walsh K, Cooper M, Holle R, Rakov V, Roeder W, Ryan M.

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Lightning Safety

Prevalence of Lightning Occurrences • In US, 42 fatalities per year; 10 times as many injuries from strikes • Of all deaths, about 15 % occur in organized sports; 25 -30 % in recreational activities • Areas of greatest incidence in US – Gulf states, Ohio River Valley, front range of Rocky Mountains, and parts of Southwest • Worldwide 24, 000 deaths, 240, 000 injuries annually

Lightning Safety Formalize a Emergency Action Plan for lightning safety – Promote lightning safety slogans – Develop a chain of command regarding decision making – Identify A Weather Watcher – Use a reliable means of monitoring local weather – Identify safe locations for each sports venue – Establish criteria for suspending and resuming activities

Determining Safe and Unsafe locations from lightning Safe locations include: – Facilities with wiring and plumbing – Metal Vehicles with rubber tires Unsafe Locations include: – Shelters – Refreshment stands – Screened porches – Open areas – Tall objects – Large bodies of Water

Criteria for Postponing and Resuming Activities • Postpone or suspend if thunderstorm appears imminent • Move all individuals completely within safe structures if storm is 5 miles away or closer • Activities should be suspended until 30 minutes after last lightning strike is seen and last sound of thunder is heard • The clock resets with each lightning strike within 5 miles

Large Venue Planning • Pre planning is vital – Have enough safe areas for anticipated teams and fans – Have a way to alert spectators and vacate the areas quickly and efficiently

First Aid for Victims of Lightning Strikes • Move to safe area when you are able • Evaluate and treat, in this order , for – Apnea – Cardiac arrest – Spinals injuries – Hypothermia • Treat the Apparent Dead First !

Insert Your Institution’s Lightning Policy Below

References • Walsh K, Cooper M, Holle R, Rakov V, Roeder W, Ryan M. National Athletic Trainers' Association Position Statement: Lightning Safety for Athletics and Recreation, J Athl Train. 2013 Mar-Apr; 48(2): 258– 270.