The Yorktown athletic department has developed a lightning policy to minimize the risk of injury from lightning strike to Yorktown High School athletes, coaches, support staff, and fans. Components of this policy include: monitoring local weather forecasts, establishing a chain of command, and other criteria for suspending/resuming activity
If inclement weather is forecast for the area or sighted in the area, the designated weather watchers (Athletic Trainer and Director of Athletics) will monitor closely and immediately suspend participation once lightning is within a 10 mile radius of the facility. Other weather updates will be monitored via the National Weather Service by smart phone or internet. Internet sites are as follows:
If lightning is in the immediate area, coaches will be notified as to the status of the inclement weather and of need to take safe shelter. Teams may return to the field once 30 minutes from the last lightning/thunder has elapsed, and the all-clear signal has been sounded.
If no safe structure is within a reasonable distance, then other safe areas include: enclosed buildings, fully enclosed metal vehicles with windows up (no convertibles or golf carts). Unsafe shelter areas: Water, open fields, dugouts, golf carts, on or under metal objects (bleachers/fences), individual tall trees, light poles.
If unable to reach safe shelter, or a person feels that his/her hair standing on end, they should assume a crouched position on the ground with only the balls of the feet touching the ground, wrap your arms around your knees and lower your head. Minimize contact with the ground. DO NOT lie flat!
In case of a lightning strike, follow these guidelines:
1. Survey the scene for safety.
2. Activate local EMS.
3. Lightning victims do not carry an electrical charge and are safe to touch.
4. If necessary, move the victim with care to a safer location.
5. Evaluate airway, breathing, and circulation, and begin CPR if necessary.
6. Evaluate and treat for hypothermia, shock, fractures, and/or burns.
Event Procedures (Lightning)
Prior to Competition: Notify officials that lightening may be expected.
Announcement of Suspension of Activity: Once it is determined that there is danger of lightning in the area, the Athletic Director will notify the head coach and officials, and subsequently summon athletes (via horn, whistle, or PA) from the playing field or court.
Evacuation of the playing field: Immediately following the announcement of suspension of activity, all athletes, coaches, officials, support staff, and fans are to evacuate to an enclosed grounded structure.
Evacuation of stands: During competition, once the official signals to suspend activity, a member of the Athletic Department support staff will announce via PA system: “May I have your attention. We have been notified of approaching inclement weather. Activity will cease until we have determined it is safe and the risk of lightning is diminished. We advise you to seek appropriate shelter at the following areas: YHS main lobby, cafeteria, or gymnasium. Though protection from lightning is not guaranteed, you make seek shelter in automobiles. Thank you for your cooperation.”
Resumption of Activity: Activity may resume once thirty (30) minutes after the last lightning/thunder have occured. Many of the monitoring websites have an active timer that resets upon each recorded lightning strike, giving a new "30 minute" all clear time.