VI.  Policies and Procedures

DD.  Lightning Safety

1.  Lightning safety requirements apply to all outdoor activities, including games, practices, parties, meetings, etc.

2.  Requirements:  At the first instance of hearing thunder or seeing lightning, everyone will immediately seek shelter in a vehicle with a solid metal roof and metal sides or, if available, inside a large, fully enclosed, substantially constructed building.  Stay inside the vehicle with windows up - do not lean on the vehicle.   Do not stand under a building overhang, tree, etc.  No outside activity is permitted until 30 minutes after the last occurrence of thunder or lightning.

3.  Additional Information and Guidelines:

a.  Obtain a weather report prior to practice or games. When outside, listen to weather radio if you suspect a storm is approaching.

b.  Know that the existence of blue sky and the absence of rain are not protection from lightning. Lightning can strike as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall.

c.  When a storm is approaching, monitor the situation carefully.  No place outside is safe near a thunderstorm.  The activity with the fastest rising lightning casualty rate is outdoor sports and recreation.

d.  Assess and act on immediate risk by using the 30-30 rule:  If you see lightning, and the time between the lightning and thunder is less than 30 seconds, then the lightning is likely within ten miles of you and you should seek shelter immediately.  Wait at least 30 minutes after hearing the last thunder before leaving shelter.  If you can’t see the lightning but do hear thunder, then lightning is close enough to strike you - seek shelter immediately.

e. When seeking shelter, avoid the most dangerous locations: higher elevations, open areas including fields, tall isolated objects (trees, poles, light posts, etc.), unprotected open buildings (pavilions, picnic shelters, bus stops, etc.), and metal fences or bleachers.

f.  No lightning safety policy or guidelines will provide 100% guaranteed safety; however, following these guidelines will help avoid most casualties or injuries.