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Lightning SafetyLightning SafetyTime to get Serious About It!Time to get Serious About It!

Lake County Athletic Officials AssociationLake County Athletic Officials AssociationSources IncludeSources Include

National Weather Service NOAANational Weather Service NOAANFHS and IHSAA WebsitesNFHS and IHSAA Websites

Football News SearchesFootball News Searches8/18/11 Annapolis MD, 8/18/11 Annapolis MD, Navy FBNavy FB forced to forced to scramble inside during practicescramble inside during practice8/17/11 Belen, NM 8/17/11 Belen, NM Football Pep Rally StruckFootball Pep Rally Struck

2 Minor Injuries2 Minor Injuries

8/19/95 Forney TX, 8/19/95 Forney TX, Lightning Strikes Football Lightning Strikes Football TeamTeam

1 Critical Cardiac Arrest Revived/14 others Injured1 Critical Cardiac Arrest Revived/14 others Injured

9/12/78 Whitman MA, 9/12/78 Whitman MA, Football Coach KilledFootball Coach Killed22ndnd Coach and 13 Students InjuredCoach and 13 Students Injured

9/8/70 St. Petersburg, FL 9/8/70 St. Petersburg, FL 2 HS Players Killed2 HS Players Killed2 others Critically Injured, 18 others Non2 others Critically Injured, 18 others Non--Life ThreateningLife Threatening

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1998 Congo Africa1998 Congo Africa: : Lightning kills football teamLightning kills football team

10/28/98 10/28/98 -- All 11 members of a football team were killed All 11 members of a football team were killed by a bolt of lightning, a Congolese newspaper has by a bolt of lightning, a Congolese newspaper has reported. reported.

Thirty other people (fans) received burns at the match in Thirty other people (fans) received burns at the match in the Democratic Republic of Congo. the Democratic Republic of Congo.

Kinshasa daily newspaper Kinshasa daily newspaper L'AvenirL'Avenir said local opinion said local opinion --known to believe in charms and spells known to believe in charms and spells -- was divided over was divided over whether someone had cursed the team. whether someone had cursed the team.

Source: Source: www.news.bbc.co.ukwww.news.bbc.co.uk

It will happen in NW Indiana like it It will happen in NW Indiana like it happens herehappens here……

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And here and here and hereAnd here and here and here

Too much inconsistency by our Too much inconsistency by our Local OfficialsLocal Officials

Recent ExamplesRecent Examples–– This SaturdayThis Saturday -- 2 Football games at separate schools 2 Football games at separate schools

continued without interruption while cross country continued without interruption while cross country meet delayed for an hour. All three sites are within meet delayed for an hour. All three sites are within 1/2 mile radius. 1/2 mile radius.

–– This SpringThis Spring -- Softball game stopped for 30+ Minutes, Softball game stopped for 30+ Minutes, Baseball game at same school stopped for 10 Baseball game at same school stopped for 10 minutes.minutes.

–– For yearsFor years…… Inconsistent reports from neighboring Inconsistent reports from neighboring schools happen way too frequently in ALL outdoor schools happen way too frequently in ALL outdoor sports.sports.

For ExampleFor Example…… Munster, Griffith and Munster, Griffith and AndreanAndrean have delays have delays while games progress in Highland and at Calumet.while games progress in Highland and at Calumet.

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Lightning SafetyLightning Safety

Lightning is the nations deadliest weather Lightning is the nations deadliest weather phenomenaphenomena

More than Tornados, Hurricanes, Heat & ColdMore than Tornados, Hurricanes, Heat & Cold

Summer Summer -- Peak SeasonPeak SeasonAverage of 55 Deaths per YearAverage of 55 Deaths per Year–– 19 deaths this year as of 8/22/1119 deaths this year as of 8/22/11

Hundreds are PERMANENTLY InjuredHundreds are PERMANENTLY Injured–– Long Term debilitating effectsLong Term debilitating effects

LightningLightning

Static ElectricityStatic Electricity–– Cloud to CloudCloud to Cloud–– Cloud to GroundCloud to Ground

Avg. of 6.6 Flashes of Lightning / sq. mile / yearAvg. of 6.6 Flashes of Lightning / sq. mile / year25 Million Flashes of Lightning per year 25 Million Flashes of Lightning per year 3.79 Million Square Miles in US3.79 Million Square Miles in US

Air can be heated by lightning up to 50,000 Air can be heated by lightning up to 50,000 degrees F.degrees F.

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ThunderThunderThunder can be heard Thunder can be heard from about 10 miles from from about 10 miles from a lightning strike.a lightning strike.Lightning can strike Lightning can strike outward 10 miles from a outward 10 miles from a thunderstorm.thunderstorm.If you hear thunder, you If you hear thunder, you are within striking are within striking distance!!!distance!!!Sound of thunder travels Sound of thunder travels at 5 seconds per mile.at 5 seconds per mile.

10 seconds = 2 Miles10 seconds = 2 Miles30 seconds = 6 Miles30 seconds = 6 Miles

VideoVideo

NOAA from You TubeNOAA from You Tubehttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OdL6Zhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6OdL6Z7TAaY7TAaYhttp://http://www.youtube.com/watch?vwww.youtube.com/watch?v==MNJRPMNJRPOltifIOltifI

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Stop the GameStop the Game

If you hear thunderIf you hear thunder……If you see lightningIf you see lightning……–– Stop the GameStop the Game–– Have game Have game

management open management open sheltersshelters

WaitWait…… 30 Minutes 30 Minutes from Last sound or from Last sound or FlashFlash

Restart 30 Minute ClockRestart 30 Minute Clock

Every time you see or Every time you see or hear Lightning or hear Lightning or ThunderThunderRememberRemember…… Game Game cannot restart less cannot restart less than 30 Minutes from than 30 Minutes from LAST sign.LAST sign.

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You may (probably will) be You may (probably will) be Pressured to Restart EarlyPressured to Restart Early

Delays are inconvenientDelays are inconvenientDelays can be costlyDelays can be costlyADAD’’ss, Coaches, Fans, etc. will pressure , Coaches, Fans, etc. will pressure you to you to ““Get it inGet it in”” or or ““Lets GoLets Go”” or or ““It will be It will be OK, I checked the internet!OK, I checked the internet!””

Do Do YOUYOU want to accept that liability when want to accept that liability when the published rules are written as plainly the published rules are written as plainly as these?as these?

You DO NOT need judgment!You DO NOT need judgment!

You DO NOT need to estimate how far You DO NOT need to estimate how far away it is.away it is.You DO NOT need to quantify if it was a You DO NOT need to quantify if it was a big flash or a little flashbig flash or a little flashYou DO NOT need a portable lightning You DO NOT need a portable lightning detectordetectorYou DO NOT need an You DO NOT need an IPhoneIPhone or or Blackberry with internetBlackberry with internetIf ItIf It’’s theres there……. Stop the Game!. Stop the Game!

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DonDon’’t let this become you t let this become you because because of lightning!of lightning!

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NFHS Sports Medicine HandbookNFHS Sports Medicine HandbookGuidelines for Lightning SafetyGuidelines for Lightning Safety

The following 15 Slides repeat (with The following 15 Slides repeat (with emphasis provided) the information emphasis provided) the information

presented on presented on www.IHSAA.orgwww.IHSAA.orghttp://www.ihsaa.org/dnn/Officials/OfficialsEducation/Ghttp://www.ihsaa.org/dnn/Officials/OfficialsEducation/G

uidelinesforLightningSafety/tabid/837/Default.aspxuidelinesforLightningSafety/tabid/837/Default.aspx

RecognitionRecognition

Coaches, certified athletic trainers, Coaches, certified athletic trainers, athletes, and administrators should be athletes, and administrators should be educated regarding the signs indicating educated regarding the signs indicating thunderstorm development.thunderstorm development. Since the Since the average distance between successive average distance between successive lightning flashes is approximately 2lightning flashes is approximately 2--3 3 miles, miles, anytime that lightning can anytime that lightning can be seen or thunder heard, the be seen or thunder heard, the risk is already presentrisk is already present..

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Weather can be monitored using Weather can be monitored using the following methods:the following methods:

Monitor Weather PatternsMonitor Weather PatternsBe aware of potential thunderstorms by monitoring local Be aware of potential thunderstorms by monitoring local weather forecasts the day before and morning of the practice weather forecasts the day before and morning of the practice or competition, and by scanning the sky for signs of potential or competition, and by scanning the sky for signs of potential thunderstorm activity.thunderstorm activity.

Flash to BangFlash to BangThis method is used to assess how far away lightning is This method is used to assess how far away lightning is striking.striking. It is determined by counting the number of seconds It is determined by counting the number of seconds it takes to hear a clap of thunder after witnessing a flash of it takes to hear a clap of thunder after witnessing a flash of lightning.lightning. The number of seconds is then divided by five to The number of seconds is then divided by five to get the distance, in miles, to the lightning flash.get the distance, in miles, to the lightning flash. Generally a Generally a 3030--second or less flashsecond or less flash--toto--bang count suggests removal of bang count suggests removal of the athletes from the field to a safe shelter is advisable.the athletes from the field to a safe shelter is advisable.

Weather can be monitored using Weather can be monitored using the following methods:the following methods:

National Weather Service (NWS)National Weather Service (NWS)Weather can also be monitored using small, Weather can also be monitored using small, portable weather radios from the NWS.portable weather radios from the NWS. The NWS The NWS uses a system of sever storm watches and uses a system of sever storm watches and warnings.warnings. A watch indicates conditions are A watch indicates conditions are favorable for sever weather to develop in an area; favorable for sever weather to develop in an area; a warning indicates that sever weather has been a warning indicates that sever weather has been reported in an area and for everyone to take reported in an area and for everyone to take proper precautions.proper precautions.

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ManagementManagementEvacuationEvacuation -- If lightning is imminent or a thunderstorm is If lightning is imminent or a thunderstorm is approaching, all personnel, athletes, and spectators should approaching, all personnel, athletes, and spectators should evacuate to available safe structures or shelters.evacuate to available safe structures or shelters. A list of the A list of the closest safe structures should be announced and displayed closest safe structures should be announced and displayed on placards at all athletic venues. on placards at all athletic venues.

ThirtyThirty--minute ruleminute rule -- Once lightning has been recognized, it is Once lightning has been recognized, it is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after the last flash of recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning is witnessed or thunder is heard.lightning is witnessed or thunder is heard. Given the average Given the average rates of thunderstorm travel, the storm should move 10rates of thunderstorm travel, the storm should move 10--12 12 miles away from the area.miles away from the area. This significantly reduces the risk This significantly reduces the risk of local lightning flashes.of local lightning flashes. Any subsequent lightning or Any subsequent lightning or thunder after the beginning of the 30thunder after the beginning of the 30--minute count minute count should reset the clock and another count should begin.should reset the clock and another count should begin.

PreventionPreventionIn order to prevent lightningIn order to prevent lightning--related injuries, it is related injuries, it is important to formulate and implement a important to formulate and implement a proactive, comprehensive lightning emergency proactive, comprehensive lightning emergency plan.plan. The plan should include:The plan should include:

Advance planning Advance planning A systematic approach for monitoring local weather A systematic approach for monitoring local weather conditions conditions Education of staff to recognize signs of nearby lightning Education of staff to recognize signs of nearby lightning activity activity Criteria for suspension and resumption of play Criteria for suspension and resumption of play Evacuation plan including nearby safe shelters Evacuation plan including nearby safe shelters Periodic review and practice of the plan by appropriate high Periodic review and practice of the plan by appropriate high school personnelschool personnel

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SignificanceSignificanceLightning is one of the most consistent and underrated causes ofLightning is one of the most consistent and underrated causes ofweatherweather--related deaths or injury in the United States.related deaths or injury in the United States. According to According to the National Severe Storms Laboratory, approximately 100 fatalitthe National Severe Storms Laboratory, approximately 100 fatalities ies and hundreds more injuries requiring medical attention occur in and hundreds more injuries requiring medical attention occur in the the United States each year.United States each year. LightningLightning--related injuries are of particular related injuries are of particular concern during the late spring and summer months, and during concern during the late spring and summer months, and during daytime hours.daytime hours. Nearly all lightningNearly all lightning--related injuries occur between related injuries occur between the months of May and September, and the greatest number of the months of May and September, and the greatest number of lightning casualties occurs between the hours of 10 A.M. and 7 lightning casualties occurs between the hours of 10 A.M. and 7 P.M., with the greatest risk concentrated between 2 P.M. and 6 P.M., with the greatest risk concentrated between 2 P.M. and 6 P.M.P.M. Therefore, the risk of lightningTherefore, the risk of lightning--related injuries appear to related injuries appear to be of greatest concern during some of the most active periods be of greatest concern during some of the most active periods of outdoor scholastic activities.of outdoor scholastic activities.

Establishing a Lighting Safety PlanEstablishing a Lighting Safety Plan

A thorough, documented lightning safety plan is A thorough, documented lightning safety plan is the most effective way for high schools to the most effective way for high schools to prevent lightningprevent lightning--related casualties in their related casualties in their athletic programs.athletic programs. The plan should include The plan should include advanced planning, a systematic plan for advanced planning, a systematic plan for monitoring weather, education on lightning monitoring weather, education on lightning awareness, criteria for suspension and awareness, criteria for suspension and resumption of activity, and an evacuation resumption of activity, and an evacuation plan.plan. Moreover, the information included in the Moreover, the information included in the plan must be disseminated to the correct, plan must be disseminated to the correct, qualified personnel and practiced on a routine qualified personnel and practiced on a routine basis.basis.

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Advance PlanningAdvance PlanningIn advance of the activity, a documented plan In advance of the activity, a documented plan should be in place and the persons in position of should be in place and the persons in position of responsibility for monitoring weather activity and responsibility for monitoring weather activity and deciding when to suspend activity should be deciding when to suspend activity should be identified.identified. Responsible persons must be Responsible persons must be intimately familiar with all aspects of the lightning intimately familiar with all aspects of the lightning policy.policy. In the days prior to an event, it is also In the days prior to an event, it is also important to be aware of the potential for important to be aware of the potential for thunderstorm activity through early monitoring of thunderstorm activity through early monitoring of local weather forecasts.local weather forecasts. In some areas and In some areas and seasons, characteristic patterns of thunderstorm seasons, characteristic patterns of thunderstorm activity may be noted and should be considered.activity may be noted and should be considered.

Systematic Plan for Monitoring Systematic Plan for Monitoring WeatherWeather

A person should be designated prior to the practice or event to A person should be designated prior to the practice or event to monitor the weather and notify the person in authority to initiamonitor the weather and notify the person in authority to initiate the te the evacuation process when appropriate.evacuation process when appropriate. This person is responsible This person is responsible for monitoring local weather forecasts and scanning the sky for for monitoring local weather forecasts and scanning the sky for signs signs of potentially dangerous local thunderstorms.of potentially dangerous local thunderstorms. Ideally, this should not Ideally, this should not be a coach or official, as they may get so caught up in the gamebe a coach or official, as they may get so caught up in the game or or activity that they fail to adequately monitor weather activity.activity that they fail to adequately monitor weather activity. To To assist with weather monitoring, small, portable weather radios fassist with weather monitoring, small, portable weather radios from rom the NOAA and the NWS, and the Weather Channel provide good the NOAA and the NWS, and the Weather Channel provide good information on general storm movement and strength.information on general storm movement and strength. This general This general information should be combined with specific local weather patteinformation should be combined with specific local weather patterns rns witnessed while scanning the sky to provide the person in authorwitnessed while scanning the sky to provide the person in authority ity with adequate information to determine the safety for its athletwith adequate information to determine the safety for its athletic ic participants.participants.

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Education on Lightning DangerEducation on Lightning DangerCoaches, athletic trainers, officials, administrators, as well aCoaches, athletic trainers, officials, administrators, as well as s athletes, should be educated regarding the signs indicating nearathletes, should be educated regarding the signs indicating nearby by thunderstorm development.thunderstorm development. Generally speaking, it is felt that Generally speaking, it is felt that anytime that can be seen, or thunder heard, risk is already anytime that can be seen, or thunder heard, risk is already present.present. Assessing how far away lightning is striking can be Assessing how far away lightning is striking can be accomplished utilizing the flashaccomplished utilizing the flash--toto--bang method.bang method. The flashThe flash--toto--bang bang method is derived from the fact that lights travels significantlmethod is derived from the fact that lights travels significantly faster y faster than sound.than sound. Light travels approximately 186,000 miles/second, and Light travels approximately 186,000 miles/second, and sound travels approximately 740 miles/hour, which translates to sound travels approximately 740 miles/hour, which translates to a a speed of one mile every five seconds.speed of one mile every five seconds. The flashThe flash--toto--bang method is bang method is used by counting the number of seconds it takes to hear the clapused by counting the number of seconds it takes to hear the clap of of thunder after witnessing a flash of lightning.thunder after witnessing a flash of lightning. Divide the number of Divide the number of seconds by five to get the distance, in miles, to the lightning seconds by five to get the distance, in miles, to the lightning flash.flash. For example, if the designated weather monitor counts to 30 For example, if the designated weather monitor counts to 30 between the time he/she witnessed the lightning flash to the timbetween the time he/she witnessed the lightning flash to the time e he/she hears the thunder, the lightning flash occurred approximahe/she hears the thunder, the lightning flash occurred approximately tely six miles from the weather monitor's position (30 sec x 1mile/5 six miles from the weather monitor's position (30 sec x 1mile/5 sec = sec = 6 miles)6 miles)

Criteria for Suspension and Criteria for Suspension and Resumption of ActivityResumption of Activity

A 30A 30--second flashsecond flash--toto--bang count corresponds to a distance of six bang count corresponds to a distance of six miles, which should provide ample opportunity to remove any miles, which should provide ample opportunity to remove any athletes from the playing field, and get them into a safe shelteathletes from the playing field, and get them into a safe shelterr

After the suspension, the plan should include strict, documentedAfter the suspension, the plan should include strict, documentedcriteria for the resumption of activities.criteria for the resumption of activities. It is recommended to wait at It is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning is witnessed least 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning is witnessed or or thunder is heard.thunder is heard. Any subsequent lightning or thunder after the Any subsequent lightning or thunder after the beginning of the 30beginning of the 30--minute count should reset the clock and minute count should reset the clock and another count should begin.another count should begin. The combination of the 30The combination of the 30--second second flashflash--toto--bang count to suspend activity and the 30bang count to suspend activity and the 30--minute delay after minute delay after the last lightning flash to resume activity is commonly referredthe last lightning flash to resume activity is commonly referred to as to as the "30the "30--30 rule."30 rule."

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Evacuation PlanEvacuation PlanA 30A 30--second flashsecond flash--toto--bang count corresponds to a distance of six bang count corresponds to a distance of six miles, which should provide ample opportunity to remove any miles, which should provide ample opportunity to remove any athletes from the playing field, and get them into a safe shelteathletes from the playing field, and get them into a safe shelter.r.

After the suspension, the plan should include strict, documentedAfter the suspension, the plan should include strict, documentedcriteria for the resumption of activities.criteria for the resumption of activities. It is recommended to wait at It is recommended to wait at least 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning is witnessed least 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning is witnessed or or thunder is heard.thunder is heard. Any subsequent lightning or thunder after the Any subsequent lightning or thunder after the beginning of the 30beginning of the 30--minute count should reset the clock and minute count should reset the clock and another count should begin.another count should begin. The combination of the 30The combination of the 30--second second flashflash--toto--bang count to suspend activity and the 30bang count to suspend activity and the 30--minute delay after minute delay after the last lightning flash to resume activity is commonly referredthe last lightning flash to resume activity is commonly referred to as to as the "30the "30--30 rule."30 rule."

Safe StructuresSafe Structures

The most ideal safe structure is a fully enclosed, The most ideal safe structure is a fully enclosed, substantial building with plumbing, electrical substantial building with plumbing, electrical wiring and telephone service, which aids in wiring and telephone service, which aids in grounding the structure. A fully enclosed grounding the structure. A fully enclosed automobile with a hard metal roof and rolled up automobile with a hard metal roof and rolled up windows is also a reasonable choice. School windows is also a reasonable choice. School buses are an excellent lightning shelter that can buses are an excellent lightning shelter that can be utilized for large groups of people. However, be utilized for large groups of people. However, it is important to avoid contact with any metal it is important to avoid contact with any metal while inside the vehicle.while inside the vehicle.

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Safe StructuresSafe StructuresAvoid using shower facilities for safe shelter and Avoid using shower facilities for safe shelter and do not use showers or plumbing facilities during do not use showers or plumbing facilities during a thunderstorm as the current from the local a thunderstorm as the current from the local lightning strike can enter the building via the lightning strike can enter the building via the plumbing pipelines or electrical connections. It is plumbing pipelines or electrical connections. It is also considered unsafe to stand near utilities, also considered unsafe to stand near utilities, use corded telephones or headsets during a use corded telephones or headsets during a thunderstorm, due to the danger of electrical thunderstorm, due to the danger of electrical current traveling through the telephone line. current traveling through the telephone line. Cellular or cordless phones are considered Cellular or cordless phones are considered reasonably safe, and can be used to summon reasonably safe, and can be used to summon help during a thunderstorm.help during a thunderstorm.

If caught without shelterIf caught without shelter……When caught in a thunderstorm without When caught in a thunderstorm without availability or time to reach safe structures, availability or time to reach safe structures, you can minimize the risk of lightningyou can minimize the risk of lightning--related related injury by following a few basic guidelines:injury by following a few basic guidelines:

Avoid being the highest object. Seek a thick grove of small Avoid being the highest object. Seek a thick grove of small trees or bushes surrounded by taller trees or a dry ditch. trees or bushes surrounded by taller trees or a dry ditch. Avoid contact with anything that would be attractive to Avoid contact with anything that would be attractive to lightning.lightning. Stay away from freestanding trees, poles, Stay away from freestanding trees, poles, antennas, towers, bleachers, baseball dugouts, metal fences, antennas, towers, bleachers, baseball dugouts, metal fences, standing pools of water, and golf carts. standing pools of water, and golf carts. Crouch down with legs together, the weight on the balls of Crouch down with legs together, the weight on the balls of the feet, arms wrapped around knees, and head down with the feet, arms wrapped around knees, and head down with ears covered.ears covered.