Lightning Policy
In the event of lightning, guidelines by the NCAA and NSSL (National Severe Storms Laboratory) will be followed during games, practices, outdoor conditioning sessions, and any USCS athletic department sanctioned event.

The NCAA and NSSL strongly recommend terminating activity when the lightning is 6 miles away. There is a 70% chance that the next cloud-to- ground strike will occur in a circular area with a 6-mile radius from the previous strike.

Flash To Bang Method
In the event of possible severe weather, someone (athletic trainer, coach, non-participating athlete, etc...) needs to begin counting without distraction once lightning is spotted. To calculate the approximate distance in miles from a lightning flash, the weather monitor should count in seconds from when you see the flash to hearing the thunder, and divide this number by five. If the final number is 6 or less (equaling 6 miles), then evacuations should begin. In the case of games, the sports information representative should make a calm announcement to the fans recommending they seek safe shelter indoors due to incoming storms. When considering return to play, everyone should wait until 30 minutes after the last episode of lightning or thunder.

Lightning Detectors
When using the lightning detectors apply the 6-mile or within rule according to the unit's reading. Make sure the detector is away from any large areas of metal since this will interfere with the reading.

Things to Remember
· There can not be thunder without lightning (thunder is the noise resulting from the lightning discharge)

· Lightning can strike up to 6 miles away from the base of the thunderstorm

· Retreat to a building or car (not a convertible)

· If unable to get into a safe place, find a grove of trees (never a single tree) similar in height and crouch low on the balls of your feet with your head tucked down

· Get at least 50 feet away from metal objects

· Get away from tall objects

· Avoid small sheds that are isolated in the open area

· Don't huddle together, spread out at least 100 feet

· If your hair stands on end, hear high-pitched or cracking noises, you see blue halo around objects, there is electrical activity present that could precede a lightning strike in the area

First Aid
Athletic trainers and coaches are the first responders in this emergency situation if they are not injured themselves. If someone is hit, ensure they are not charged before contact with them. Begin the emergency plan (CPR if necessary, call EMS) and retreat to safety if possible. If the victim is charged, stay back and call EMS immediately.

Evacuation Plans

Men's and Women's Soccer
1. National Guard Readiness Center
2. Campus Life Center/Rampey Center
3. G.B. Hodge Center

Baseball Practice Field/Baseball Stadium/Softball Stadium 1. National Guard Readiness Center
2. Campus Life Center/Rampey Center
3. G.B. Hodge Center

Tennis Courts
1. National Guard Readiness Center
2. Campus Life Center/Rampey Center
3. G.B. Hodge Center

Remember...
If You See It Flee It, If You Hear It Clear It