Lightning, the most dangerous thunderstorm hazard, is responsible for an average of 42 fatalities yearly in the U.S. and an estimated 10 times as many injuries, according to a statement from National Athletic Trainers’ Association. About 48% of lightning fatalities occur during organized sports and 62% during recreational activities, according to 2010-2011 data from the National Weather Service.
With storms rolling in Dallas-Fort Worth right on schedule for Lightning Safety Awareness Week, and as we head into July — the month of highest incidence — it’s important to follow lighting safety tips. Here are recommendations for adults and any coaches, athletic trainers, parents, administrators or adults working with kids at camps or elsewhere, published in the spring 2013 Journal of Athletic Training as part of a new position statement :
Establish a lightning-specific emergency action plan for each venue
Promote National Weather Service lightning safety slogans such as “No Place Outside is Safe When Thunderstorms are in the Area” or “Half an Hour Since Thunder Roars, Now it’s Safe to Go Outdoors.”
Establish a chain of command that identifies a specific person to make decisions to remove individuals from the field.
Use a reliable means of monitoring the local weather.
Identify safe locations from lightning hazard in advance of events; such as a building where people live or work or a fully enclosed space (or car).
Be aware of unsafe locations such as shelters, picnic tables or bus stops, which are partially open to the elements. Other unsafe venue such as towers or trees can also be targets for lighting.
Know how long it will take to get to the safe venues and plan accordingly.
Identify specific criteria for suspending and resuming activity, and allow time for evacuation. Activities should be suspended until 30 minutes after the last lightning strike or sound of thunder.
Ensure lightning and general weather awareness: Use a designated weather watcher and the National Weather Service to monitor local weather: consider subscribing to a commercial, real-time lightning detection service that has been independently verified so you can determine how far away a storm is and when it is best to go inside.
Prepare large venue planning protocols: Specific lightning safety plans should be established for large-scale events. Use a reliable weather monitoring system; direct spectators to the nearest safe place; identify enough close-proximity locations; ensure a safe and orderly evacuation, and consider the time necessary to move a large crowd in and out of the facility.
Provide first aid: Rescuers and emergency personnel must ensure their own safety before venturing out into the venue to provide aid. Once there, move patients to a safe location if needed and evaluate and treat them accordingly. If an AED is available, it should be used on anyone who appears unconscious or pulseless.
Be alert to the time it’s most likely to strike. Thunderstorms and the threat of lighting is particularly prevalent from afternoon to early evening from late spring to early fall. That’s when 90% of casualties occur, with July being the highest month of incidence, according to the researchers.
Communicate to everyone involved in an outdoor activity that safety comes first. There should be no penalty or repercussion if anyone feels danger is impending and wants to seek a safe location.