Lightning Policy
Lightning Policy Background On average, Florida has twice as many lightning-related deaths each year than any other state. The risk of lightning injury increases during the summer months, especially on weekends and near water, like beaches. This means that the student-athletes are at the highest risk when they are away from school and direct supervision. This highlights the need for educating student-athletes on the real risk they will encounter and the essential nature of following the protocols listed in this policy. Lightning is extremely dangerous and should always elicit similarly extreme caution. The level of risk referred to in this policy relates to the proximity of lightning strikes to the individual at risk. Lightning may reach 6-8 miles from the previous strike. Therefore, a thunderstorm does not need to be directly over an individual to be dangerous. In fact, lightning has been known to strike in the presence of sunlight. If lightning strikes within 8 miles of an individual, he/she should immediately seek safe shelter. It is important to note that lightning strikes should always be measured from where the individual is at that particular time. Just because radar may not show a lightning strike near the Clemente Center, does not mean that you may not be in danger where you are. Methods of Lightning Detection At Florida Tech, we utilize two different methods to ascertain the risk level of lightning. An individual can see a lightning strike from 62 miles away but can only hear it from 10 miles away. Therefore if you can hear thunder, you should consider yourself at risk. This brings us to our first, and most basic, form of lightning detection: the flash-bang method. This method utilizes the counting of seconds from the “flash” of a lightning strike to the “bang” of its subsequent thunder. For every 5 seconds counted between flash and bang, the lightning occurred 1 mile away. In other words, if you see a lightning flash and count to “5” before its bang of thunder, the lightning occurred 1 mile away. If you see a lightning flash and count to “30” before its bang of thunder, the lightning occurred 6 miles away. This is the most basic method of lightning detection and does not require any equipment. This is the method that should always be most relied upon. Everyone can utilize this method, even if he/she is off campus and nowhere near weather radar. At the very least, if you are in doubt and can hear thunder, please seek immediate shelter. The other method at our disposal is the use of the on-line weather alert service MXVISION WEATHERSENTRY ONLINE®. This service provides up-to-the-minute information on where lightning strikes in relation to pre-programmed locations. Therefore, coaches and administrators need to program the exact location of where their team/event will be held on a daily basis. The website offers radar with many tools to help evaluate local weather. They convey alerts from NOOA and also send alerts to your cell phone via text message. This has proved to be an excellent tool for us. However, it does have its limitations. Primarily, it requires the use of a cell phone, at least, which may not always be feasible. Also, although the up-to-the-minute updates are very close to “real time,” there is still a 60 second lag. This is why flash-bang should always be relied upon foremost.
Safe Locations One of the most misunderstood parts of lightning safety is which structures provide adequate safe shelter from lightning hazard. Such safe shelter should be a substantial building with plumbing and wiring. The best of such buildings is one which is used for residence or employment. The NATA notes that safe structures are those which are commonly referred as “buildings,” and not “shelters.” Therefore, structures that DO NOT provide adequate safety are those which are not enclosed and/or do not have considerable grounding. Such unsafe structures include: dugouts, awnings, shelters, tents, open faced press boxes, etc. In the absence of safe buildings, the next best safe location is within vehicles with metal roofs. These vehicles DO NOT include convertibles, vehicles with clothe roofs, golf carts, recreational vehicles, etc. When inside a safe vehicle, it is recommended that you do not touch a part of the metal frame of the vehicle as the metal frame is the mode by which the electrical current is dissipated. If an individual finds that he/she is nowhere near safe shelter, he/she should take certain steps to decrease the risk of lightning strike. The individual should avoid tall structures such as trees or poles, metal objects, bodies of water, or being the tallest object in a large open area. If at any point while under the threat of lightning an individual feels the hair on the back of his/her neck stand on end, that person should immediately crouch down with feet together. Do not worry about metal jewelry or accessories attracting lightning, as this is a myth. The following will be considered safe shelters and the specific evacuation location(s) for each sport: Baseball: Varsity Training Center conference room Softball: Varsity Training Center conference room Football: locker room Soccer: Harris Village recreation room Swimming: locker room Tennis: vehicles or Athletics Annex Rowing: Boat House Golf: Clubhouse, restroom, or vehicle Lacrosse: vehicles Cross Country: vehicles Track and Field: vehicles Cessation of Activity There are three levels of concern: Advisory, Caution, and Warning. A lightning advisory means that lightning has been spotted within 30 miles of one’s position. Thunder will not be audible from this distance, so the only way one will be aware of this is by alert via MXVISION WEATHERSENTRY ONLINE®. If a lightning advisory is noticed, participants should be on alert for the potential of dangerous lightning formation.
A lightning caution means that lightning has been spotted within 10 miles of one’s position. At this point, thunder should be audible. If a lightning caution is noticed, participants should begin to prepare for possible evacuation. Coaches, student-athletes, and other personnel should be alerted. Sports with field-care responsibilities, such as baseball and softball, should consider the time needed to cover the field and/or complete any other duties so that they are actually leaving the field by the time lightning is detected within 8 miles. A lightning warning means that lightning has been spotted within 8 miles of one’s position. At this point, everyone including administrators, coaches, student-athletes, and spectators should vacate the premises and find shelter in appropriate safe buildings or vehicles, as previously specified. This should be done immediately and without wavering. At this point, lightning is likely to strike in your immediate location. Resumption of Activity Individuals are not allowed outside safe shelter until 30 minutes after the last lightning strike within 8 miles. Any outdoor warm-ups or playing surface preparation will not be allowed until these 30 minutes have elapsed. Be aware that when the lightning warning has lifted, the lightning caution may still be in effect. Keep an attentive eye on the weather and make sure the threat of lightning has gone. Any returning strike within 8 miles, will mandate that all individuals once again leave the premises and find safe shelter. Lightning Threats on Game Day Florida Tech has a legal responsibility to make patrons of its athletic events aware of potential inclement weather dangers and what they would need to do in order to remain safe. A pro-active and preventative approach is always best. Therefore, all game programs for outdoor activities should include a clearly marked section which details the evacuation process for the specific site of the event. Please see the “Emergency Evacuation Plan” for details of each specific site. The public-address announcer will provide evacuation information prior to the start of competition and at the time of any lightning warning. A sample script for the public-address announcer can be found in the “Emergency Evacuation Plan.” First Aid If someone is struck with lightning, medical care should be provided as soon as safely possible. Remember, if you carelessly run to the aid of a victim and become a victim yourself, you have made the rescue operation twice as difficult. Once you are able to provide medical care to the victim, the rescuer should assess the victim’s vitals. The body will NOT retain the electrical charge from the lightning and will be safe to touch. If the victim exhibits cardiac arrest, an AED should be used as soon as possible. The rescuer should also be aware of possible musculoskeletal injuries, wounds, and internal injuries. Conclusion You must seek immediate shelter if lightning strikes within 8 miles of your location. You can use flashbang method or radar to determine the proximity of lightning to your current, immediate location. When in doubt, if you can hear thunder you should immediately seek shelter. If you have to complete
field work such as tarping the field before you leave, you must have this work complete by the time lightning reaches 8 miles. Accepted safe shelters are substantial buildings with electricity and/or plumbing or a metal-topped vehicle with windows closed. References Guideline 1d: Lightning Safety. NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook. 2012-13 Walsh KM, Cooper MA, Holle R, Rakov VA, Roeder WP, Ryan M. National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement: Lightning Safety for Athletics and Recreation. Journal of Athletic Training. 48(2):258270. 2013 NOAA lightning safety website: http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/ National Lightning Safety Institute website: http://www.lightningsafety.com/
Safe Locations One of the most misunderstood parts of lightning safety is which structures provide adequate safe shelter from lightning hazard. Such safe shelter should be a substantial building with plumbing and wiring. The best of such buildings is one which is used for residence or employment. The NATA notes that safe structures are those which are commonly referred as “buildings,” and not “shelters.” Therefore, structures that DO NOT provide adequate safety are those which are not enclosed and/or do not have considerable grounding. Such unsafe structures include: dugouts, awnings, shelters, tents, open faced press boxes, etc. In the absence of safe buildings, the next best safe location is within vehicles with metal roofs. These vehicles DO NOT include convertibles, vehicles with clothe roofs, golf carts, recreational vehicles, etc. When inside a safe vehicle, it is recommended that you do not touch a part of the metal frame of the vehicle as the metal frame is the mode by which the electrical current is dissipated. If an individual finds that he/she is nowhere near safe shelter, he/she should take certain steps to decrease the risk of lightning strike. The individual should avoid tall structures such as trees or poles, metal objects, bodies of water, or being the tallest object in a large open area. If at any point while under the threat of lightning an individual feels the hair on the back of his/her neck stand on end, that person should immediately crouch down with feet together. Do not worry about metal jewelry or accessories attracting lightning, as this is a myth. The following will be considered safe shelters and the specific evacuation location(s) for each sport: Baseball: Varsity Training Center conference room Softball: Varsity Training Center conference room Football: locker room Soccer: Harris Village recreation room Swimming: locker room Tennis: vehicles or Athletics Annex Rowing: Boat House Golf: Clubhouse, restroom, or vehicle Lacrosse: vehicles Cross Country: vehicles Track and Field: vehicles Cessation of Activity There are three levels of concern: Advisory, Caution, and Warning. A lightning advisory means that lightning has been spotted within 30 miles of one’s position. Thunder will not be audible from this distance, so the only way one will be aware of this is by alert via MXVISION WEATHERSENTRY ONLINE®. If a lightning advisory is noticed, participants should be on alert for the potential of dangerous lightning formation.
A lightning caution means that lightning has been spotted within 10 miles of one’s position. At this point, thunder should be audible. If a lightning caution is noticed, participants should begin to prepare for possible evacuation. Coaches, student-athletes, and other personnel should be alerted. Sports with field-care responsibilities, such as baseball and softball, should consider the time needed to cover the field and/or complete any other duties so that they are actually leaving the field by the time lightning is detected within 8 miles. A lightning warning means that lightning has been spotted within 8 miles of one’s position. At this point, everyone including administrators, coaches, student-athletes, and spectators should vacate the premises and find shelter in appropriate safe buildings or vehicles, as previously specified. This should be done immediately and without wavering. At this point, lightning is likely to strike in your immediate location. Resumption of Activity Individuals are not allowed outside safe shelter until 30 minutes after the last lightning strike within 8 miles. Any outdoor warm-ups or playing surface preparation will not be allowed until these 30 minutes have elapsed. Be aware that when the lightning warning has lifted, the lightning caution may still be in effect. Keep an attentive eye on the weather and make sure the threat of lightning has gone. Any returning strike within 8 miles, will mandate that all individuals once again leave the premises and find safe shelter. Lightning Threats on Game Day Florida Tech has a legal responsibility to make patrons of its athletic events aware of potential inclement weather dangers and what they would need to do in order to remain safe. A pro-active and preventative approach is always best. Therefore, all game programs for outdoor activities should include a clearly marked section which details the evacuation process for the specific site of the event. Please see the “Emergency Evacuation Plan” for details of each specific site. The public-address announcer will provide evacuation information prior to the start of competition and at the time of any lightning warning. A sample script for the public-address announcer can be found in the “Emergency Evacuation Plan.” First Aid If someone is struck with lightning, medical care should be provided as soon as safely possible. Remember, if you carelessly run to the aid of a victim and become a victim yourself, you have made the rescue operation twice as difficult. Once you are able to provide medical care to the victim, the rescuer should assess the victim’s vitals. The body will NOT retain the electrical charge from the lightning and will be safe to touch. If the victim exhibits cardiac arrest, an AED should be used as soon as possible. The rescuer should also be aware of possible musculoskeletal injuries, wounds, and internal injuries. Conclusion You must seek immediate shelter if lightning strikes within 8 miles of your location. You can use flashbang method or radar to determine the proximity of lightning to your current, immediate location. When in doubt, if you can hear thunder you should immediately seek shelter. If you have to complete
field work such as tarping the field before you leave, you must have this work complete by the time lightning reaches 8 miles. Accepted safe shelters are substantial buildings with electricity and/or plumbing or a metal-topped vehicle with windows closed. References Guideline 1d: Lightning Safety. NCAA Sports Medicine Handbook. 2012-13 Walsh KM, Cooper MA, Holle R, Rakov VA, Roeder WP, Ryan M. National Athletic Trainers’ Association Position Statement: Lightning Safety for Athletics and Recreation. Journal of Athletic Training. 48(2):258270. 2013 NOAA lightning safety website: http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/ National Lightning Safety Institute website: http://www.lightningsafety.com/
