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; % 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 Mar-Apr; 48(2): 258–270.