Extreme Weather Guidelines AWS
Penn-Trafford Athletic Department Extreme Weather Guidelines
©2011
Severe weather refers to any dangerous meteorological phenomena with the potential to cause damage, serious social disruption, or loss of human life. Types of severe weather phenomena vary, but examples are high winds, hail, excessive precipitation, severe thunderstorms, microbursts, and tornadoes. Extreme weather may refer to extreme cold and heat weather conditions. The Penn-Trafford Athletic Department’s Severe Weather policy should be enforced during any of the above severe weather phenomena. The Severe Weather policy and the Penn-Trafford Lightening Guidelines should be used in conjunction when severe weather arises. • If a severe weather watch or warning is issued by the National Weather Service before the end of the school day an email will be sent to all head coaches. • If a severe weather watch or warning is issued by the National Weather Service after the end of the school day a text message with the warning or watch will be sent to all head coaches. • A “watch” means that severe weather is possible, but not imminent. Proceed with normal activity, but continue to monitor the changing weather conditions. • A “warning” means that severe weather is imminent and has occurred in the area. Staff should begin to implement the severe weather policy immediately • If a severe thunderstorm warning, a tornado watch, or a tornado warning is issued for our area by the National Weather Service, all activity will be stopped immediately and all participants, game officials, athletics staff and spectators will be relocated according to the venue procedures or the nearest safest location. • If a tornado watch is issued for our area by the National Weather Service all games, matches, etc will be cancelled immediately. If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued for our area by the National Weather Service all games, matches, etc will be postponed. Those coaches who have outside practices and/or games at an off-sit venue will need to adhere to the following procedures: • Make sure all athletes are accounted for and under your direct supervision (if the weather turns severe quickly you will need to get the athletes to safety) • Identify the designated safety shelter in your location • Keep alert to the changing weather patterns, remember is as always best to err on the side of safety Those coaches who have outside practices and/or games on-site at the high school or middle schools should adhere to the following procedures: • Make sure all athletes are accounted for and under your direct supervision so that if it is deemed unsafe you can gather your athletes efficiently • Identify the designated safety shelter in your location and begin to make plans to move to them. • Keep alert to changing weather patterns. If severe weather is imminent you will be contact via cell phone, text message, or announcement over the PA system at the stadium Those coaches who have inside practices and/or games on-site at the high school or middle schools should adhere to the following procedures: • Be aware of the changing weather patterns occurring in the outside environment • Games and/or practice may continue unless otherwise notified • Identify the designated safety areas in your venue should you need to utilize them o Remember to stay away from windows, glass doors, high ceilings, and move into the interior of the school
•
©2011 You will be notified of potential severe weather via cell phone, text message, or through the PA system in your school. Severe Weather Venues
PTHS Gymnasium/Swimming Pool Phone Locations: • Pay Phone in Front Lobby by swimming pool • Athletic Office • AT Staff mobile cell phones • Pool Lobby AED Locations: • Gymnasium Lobby between gymnasium and pool • Athletic Training Mobile Unit during an athletic event only EMS Access: • Gymnasium front lobby • Rear entry by tennis courts • Right upper side entry by swimming pool
Warrior Stadium/Warrior Center Phone Locations: • 1st floor football office of the Warrior Center • 2nd floor auxiliary office and weight room AED Locations: • 1st Floor in Main Hallway • Athletic Training Mobile Unit during varsity events only • Press box (not in cold climate) EMS Access: • Upper gates for access to press box & stands • East end (scoreboard) • West end (concession stand) • Warrior Center 2nd floor doors
PTHS Baseball Complex Phone Locations: • Athletic Office or cell phones AED Locations: • Athletic Training Mobile Unit during athletic events only • Gymnasium Lobby between gymnasium and pool EMS Access: • Upper gate off of main drive ********************************************** Bushy Run Battlefield Phone Locations: • No phones • Must use mobile phones AED Locations: • No available on-site AED’s EMS Access: • Main park entrance on north side of 993 w/access to trails by park personnel via gator
PTHS Softball Complex Phone Locations: • AT Staff/cell phones • Pay Phone in Band Hallway AED Locations: • Athletic Training Mobile Unit during athletic events only • Athletic Training Room EMS Access: • Road off of the parking lot at the rear of PTHS complex Penn Middle School Gymnasium & Stadium Phone Locations: • Outside of Main Office • By Cafeteria AED Locations: • In Gymnasium • Hallway by Main Office EMS Access: • Rear of school near south end of stadium • At doorway before gymnasium Gymnasium Annex/Fitness Center Phone Locations: • Cell phones AED Locations: • Hallway EMS Access: • Front entrance by Fitness Center ********************************************** Center Ice/Westmoreland Country Club/Hillview Bowling Lanes • Must see facilities for emergency information
PTHS Tennis Courts Phone Locations: • AT Staff/cell phones • Pay Phone in Front Lobby by swimming pool AED Locations: • Athletic Training Mobile Unit during athletic events only • Athletic Training Room EMS Access: • Rear of PTHS complex Trafford Middle School Gymnasium & Stadium Phone Locations: • Gym Lobby Area • Main Office AED Locations: • Gym Lobby Area • Main Office EMS Access: • Main entrance • Back along side of building between stadium fields Government Fields Phone Locations: • No existing land-line phones • Available mobile phones only AED Locations: • No available on-site AEDs EMS Access: • Off of Government road ********************************************** Municipal Fields Phone Locations: • Cell Phones AED Location: • Inside during business hours EMS Access: • Main Gate
PTHS Upper Practice Fields Phone Locations: • AT Staff/cell phones • Pay Phone in Band Hallway AED Locations: • Athletic Training Mobile Unit during athletic events only • Athletic Training Room EMS Access: • Rear of PTHS complex Bushy Run Soccer Complex Phone Locations: • Concession stand in pavilion AED Locations: • AT Mobile Unit during summer camps only • PMS Locations EMS Access: • East & west drives off of Bushy Run road
Noteworthy Phone Numbers EMS: 911 Rescue Six Ambulance: 724-744-4112 Radio (2): Station 225 - Mobile Unit 44 Penn Twp Police: 724-863-1119 Trafford Police: 412-372-6550 Athletic Office: 724-744-7252 Athletic Training Room: 724-744-0580 Warrior Stadium Press Box: 724-744-0024 Warrior Center: 724-744-1206(7) PTHS Main Office: 724-744-4471 PMS Main Office: 724-744-4431 TMS Main Office: 412-372-6600 Trafford EMS: 412-856-8288
©2011 Extreme weather conditions that arise involving extreme cold and heat weather conditions should also be managed by the Penn-Trafford Athletic Department with regards to practice and/or events. The extreme cold guidelines outlined in the NATA position statement: Environmental Cold Injuries, Journal of Athletic Training: 2008. These extreme weather conditions should be monitored by the Certified Athletic Trainers with all recommendations to limit activity made according to the guidelines. Cold Weather guidelines: Environmental Assessment • Evaluate immediate and projected weather information, including air temperature, wind, chance of precipitation or water immersion, and altitude. • Identify activity intensity requirements and clothing requirements for each individual sport • Have alternate plans in place for deteriorating conditions and activities that must be adjusted or cancelled The following guidelines can be used in planning activity depending on the wind-chill temperature. Conditions should be constantly reevaluated for change in risk, including the presence of precipitation: • 30°F and below: Be aware of the potential for cold injury and notify appropriate personnel to the potential • 25°F and below: Provide additional protective clothing, cover as much exposed skin as practical, and provide opportunities and facilities for rewarming • 15°F and below: Consider modifying activity to limit exposure or to allow more frequent chances to rewarm • 0°F and below: Consider terminating or rescheduling activity
Figure 1
©2011
The extreme heat guidelines are outlined according to the NATA position statement: Exertional Heat Illnesses, Journal of Athletic Training: 2002 and the NATA consensus statement Preseason HeatAcclimatization Guidelines for High School Athletics, Journal of Athletic Training: 2009. Heat Weather Guidelines: Environment Assessment • Identify potential problems including the number of participants, the nature of the activity, and other predisposing factors and check environmental conditions before and during the activity and adjust the schedule accordingly • Modify activity under high-risk conditions to prevent exertional heat illnesses. Monitor the athletes and be proactive in taking preventative steps. The following guidelines can be used when planning activity depending on the relative humidity (RH) and temperature. Conditions should be constantly re-evaluated for change in risk: • 65°F and below (Low level of risk): Risk low but still exists on the basis of risk factors. Not noted on Figure 2 due to low risk • 65-73°F (Moderate level of risk): Risk level increases as event progresses through the day. Not noted on Figure 2 due to low risk • 73-82°F (High level of risk): Everyone should be aware of injury potential; individuals at risk should not compete. EX: a temperature of 82° with RH of 90% = extreme caution rating and a “feels like” temperature of 91° • 82°F or above (Extreme danger or hazardous level of risk): Consider rescheduling the event until safer conditions prevail; if the event must take place, be on high alert. EX: a temperature of 86° with RH of 90%= danger rating and a “feels like” temperature of 105° • Temperature and relative humidity readings in the Extreme Danger rating should be cause for events to be rescheduled or cancelled until safer conditions prevail.
Figure 2 Fluid Replacement Guidelines in Extreme Caution, Danger, and Extreme Danger ratings
©2011 Please refer to the table below for recommendations on modification to practice and/or events when weather conditions enter into the Danger and Extreme Danger ratings from Figure 2. These recommendations are for the “feels like” temperatures that take into consideration the relative humidity (RH).
Table 1 • •
•
Adequate water breaks should be given every 15 minute or less with ratings in Extreme Caution, Danger, or Extreme Danger from Figure 2. Temperature readings should be taken 10-15 minutes before the start of a practice and/or event. If readings are in the Extreme Caution (Figure 2) rating continue taking readings every 15 minutes to monitor any increases. Modifications to practice times may help eliminate the danger of participating in the extreme “heat of the day”. Practicing in the early morning or late afternoon are good options. The “heat of the day” refers to the time period from 11 am to 3 pm.
©2011
Severe weather refers to any dangerous meteorological phenomena with the potential to cause damage, serious social disruption, or loss of human life. Types of severe weather phenomena vary, but examples are high winds, hail, excessive precipitation, severe thunderstorms, microbursts, and tornadoes. Extreme weather may refer to extreme cold and heat weather conditions. The Penn-Trafford Athletic Department’s Severe Weather policy should be enforced during any of the above severe weather phenomena. The Severe Weather policy and the Penn-Trafford Lightening Guidelines should be used in conjunction when severe weather arises. • If a severe weather watch or warning is issued by the National Weather Service before the end of the school day an email will be sent to all head coaches. • If a severe weather watch or warning is issued by the National Weather Service after the end of the school day a text message with the warning or watch will be sent to all head coaches. • A “watch” means that severe weather is possible, but not imminent. Proceed with normal activity, but continue to monitor the changing weather conditions. • A “warning” means that severe weather is imminent and has occurred in the area. Staff should begin to implement the severe weather policy immediately • If a severe thunderstorm warning, a tornado watch, or a tornado warning is issued for our area by the National Weather Service, all activity will be stopped immediately and all participants, game officials, athletics staff and spectators will be relocated according to the venue procedures or the nearest safest location. • If a tornado watch is issued for our area by the National Weather Service all games, matches, etc will be cancelled immediately. If a severe thunderstorm warning is issued for our area by the National Weather Service all games, matches, etc will be postponed. Those coaches who have outside practices and/or games at an off-sit venue will need to adhere to the following procedures: • Make sure all athletes are accounted for and under your direct supervision (if the weather turns severe quickly you will need to get the athletes to safety) • Identify the designated safety shelter in your location • Keep alert to the changing weather patterns, remember is as always best to err on the side of safety Those coaches who have outside practices and/or games on-site at the high school or middle schools should adhere to the following procedures: • Make sure all athletes are accounted for and under your direct supervision so that if it is deemed unsafe you can gather your athletes efficiently • Identify the designated safety shelter in your location and begin to make plans to move to them. • Keep alert to changing weather patterns. If severe weather is imminent you will be contact via cell phone, text message, or announcement over the PA system at the stadium Those coaches who have inside practices and/or games on-site at the high school or middle schools should adhere to the following procedures: • Be aware of the changing weather patterns occurring in the outside environment • Games and/or practice may continue unless otherwise notified • Identify the designated safety areas in your venue should you need to utilize them o Remember to stay away from windows, glass doors, high ceilings, and move into the interior of the school
•
©2011 You will be notified of potential severe weather via cell phone, text message, or through the PA system in your school. Severe Weather Venues
PTHS Gymnasium/Swimming Pool Phone Locations: • Pay Phone in Front Lobby by swimming pool • Athletic Office • AT Staff mobile cell phones • Pool Lobby AED Locations: • Gymnasium Lobby between gymnasium and pool • Athletic Training Mobile Unit during an athletic event only EMS Access: • Gymnasium front lobby • Rear entry by tennis courts • Right upper side entry by swimming pool
Warrior Stadium/Warrior Center Phone Locations: • 1st floor football office of the Warrior Center • 2nd floor auxiliary office and weight room AED Locations: • 1st Floor in Main Hallway • Athletic Training Mobile Unit during varsity events only • Press box (not in cold climate) EMS Access: • Upper gates for access to press box & stands • East end (scoreboard) • West end (concession stand) • Warrior Center 2nd floor doors
PTHS Baseball Complex Phone Locations: • Athletic Office or cell phones AED Locations: • Athletic Training Mobile Unit during athletic events only • Gymnasium Lobby between gymnasium and pool EMS Access: • Upper gate off of main drive ********************************************** Bushy Run Battlefield Phone Locations: • No phones • Must use mobile phones AED Locations: • No available on-site AED’s EMS Access: • Main park entrance on north side of 993 w/access to trails by park personnel via gator
PTHS Softball Complex Phone Locations: • AT Staff/cell phones • Pay Phone in Band Hallway AED Locations: • Athletic Training Mobile Unit during athletic events only • Athletic Training Room EMS Access: • Road off of the parking lot at the rear of PTHS complex Penn Middle School Gymnasium & Stadium Phone Locations: • Outside of Main Office • By Cafeteria AED Locations: • In Gymnasium • Hallway by Main Office EMS Access: • Rear of school near south end of stadium • At doorway before gymnasium Gymnasium Annex/Fitness Center Phone Locations: • Cell phones AED Locations: • Hallway EMS Access: • Front entrance by Fitness Center ********************************************** Center Ice/Westmoreland Country Club/Hillview Bowling Lanes • Must see facilities for emergency information
PTHS Tennis Courts Phone Locations: • AT Staff/cell phones • Pay Phone in Front Lobby by swimming pool AED Locations: • Athletic Training Mobile Unit during athletic events only • Athletic Training Room EMS Access: • Rear of PTHS complex Trafford Middle School Gymnasium & Stadium Phone Locations: • Gym Lobby Area • Main Office AED Locations: • Gym Lobby Area • Main Office EMS Access: • Main entrance • Back along side of building between stadium fields Government Fields Phone Locations: • No existing land-line phones • Available mobile phones only AED Locations: • No available on-site AEDs EMS Access: • Off of Government road ********************************************** Municipal Fields Phone Locations: • Cell Phones AED Location: • Inside during business hours EMS Access: • Main Gate
PTHS Upper Practice Fields Phone Locations: • AT Staff/cell phones • Pay Phone in Band Hallway AED Locations: • Athletic Training Mobile Unit during athletic events only • Athletic Training Room EMS Access: • Rear of PTHS complex Bushy Run Soccer Complex Phone Locations: • Concession stand in pavilion AED Locations: • AT Mobile Unit during summer camps only • PMS Locations EMS Access: • East & west drives off of Bushy Run road
Noteworthy Phone Numbers EMS: 911 Rescue Six Ambulance: 724-744-4112 Radio (2): Station 225 - Mobile Unit 44 Penn Twp Police: 724-863-1119 Trafford Police: 412-372-6550 Athletic Office: 724-744-7252 Athletic Training Room: 724-744-0580 Warrior Stadium Press Box: 724-744-0024 Warrior Center: 724-744-1206(7) PTHS Main Office: 724-744-4471 PMS Main Office: 724-744-4431 TMS Main Office: 412-372-6600 Trafford EMS: 412-856-8288
©2011 Extreme weather conditions that arise involving extreme cold and heat weather conditions should also be managed by the Penn-Trafford Athletic Department with regards to practice and/or events. The extreme cold guidelines outlined in the NATA position statement: Environmental Cold Injuries, Journal of Athletic Training: 2008. These extreme weather conditions should be monitored by the Certified Athletic Trainers with all recommendations to limit activity made according to the guidelines. Cold Weather guidelines: Environmental Assessment • Evaluate immediate and projected weather information, including air temperature, wind, chance of precipitation or water immersion, and altitude. • Identify activity intensity requirements and clothing requirements for each individual sport • Have alternate plans in place for deteriorating conditions and activities that must be adjusted or cancelled The following guidelines can be used in planning activity depending on the wind-chill temperature. Conditions should be constantly reevaluated for change in risk, including the presence of precipitation: • 30°F and below: Be aware of the potential for cold injury and notify appropriate personnel to the potential • 25°F and below: Provide additional protective clothing, cover as much exposed skin as practical, and provide opportunities and facilities for rewarming • 15°F and below: Consider modifying activity to limit exposure or to allow more frequent chances to rewarm • 0°F and below: Consider terminating or rescheduling activity
Figure 1
©2011
The extreme heat guidelines are outlined according to the NATA position statement: Exertional Heat Illnesses, Journal of Athletic Training: 2002 and the NATA consensus statement Preseason HeatAcclimatization Guidelines for High School Athletics, Journal of Athletic Training: 2009. Heat Weather Guidelines: Environment Assessment • Identify potential problems including the number of participants, the nature of the activity, and other predisposing factors and check environmental conditions before and during the activity and adjust the schedule accordingly • Modify activity under high-risk conditions to prevent exertional heat illnesses. Monitor the athletes and be proactive in taking preventative steps. The following guidelines can be used when planning activity depending on the relative humidity (RH) and temperature. Conditions should be constantly re-evaluated for change in risk: • 65°F and below (Low level of risk): Risk low but still exists on the basis of risk factors. Not noted on Figure 2 due to low risk • 65-73°F (Moderate level of risk): Risk level increases as event progresses through the day. Not noted on Figure 2 due to low risk • 73-82°F (High level of risk): Everyone should be aware of injury potential; individuals at risk should not compete. EX: a temperature of 82° with RH of 90% = extreme caution rating and a “feels like” temperature of 91° • 82°F or above (Extreme danger or hazardous level of risk): Consider rescheduling the event until safer conditions prevail; if the event must take place, be on high alert. EX: a temperature of 86° with RH of 90%= danger rating and a “feels like” temperature of 105° • Temperature and relative humidity readings in the Extreme Danger rating should be cause for events to be rescheduled or cancelled until safer conditions prevail.
Figure 2 Fluid Replacement Guidelines in Extreme Caution, Danger, and Extreme Danger ratings
©2011 Please refer to the table below for recommendations on modification to practice and/or events when weather conditions enter into the Danger and Extreme Danger ratings from Figure 2. These recommendations are for the “feels like” temperatures that take into consideration the relative humidity (RH).
Table 1 • •
•
Adequate water breaks should be given every 15 minute or less with ratings in Extreme Caution, Danger, or Extreme Danger from Figure 2. Temperature readings should be taken 10-15 minutes before the start of a practice and/or event. If readings are in the Extreme Caution (Figure 2) rating continue taking readings every 15 minutes to monitor any increases. Modifications to practice times may help eliminate the danger of participating in the extreme “heat of the day”. Practicing in the early morning or late afternoon are good options. The “heat of the day” refers to the time period from 11 am to 3 pm.
