Recommendations of the Lightning Safety Group:
(1) Have an evacuation plan and follow it.
(2) Be aware of weather predictions before outdoor activities.
(3) If bad weather is expected, have a designated lightning spotter.
(4) Danger still exists by the time lightning is a count of 30 seconds away.
(5) Seek shelter in a substantial building or enclosed metal vehicle.
(6) Do not be the highest object, close to a high object, or connected to one.
(7) Do not resume activity until 30 minutes after the last flash of lightning or sound of thunder.
Components of a safety plan:
(1) designation of a responsible person to monitor the weather and initiate the evacuation process.
(2) protocol for notifying all persons at risk and identification of persons who will supervise minors or others needing guidance
(3) safe sites need to be identified beforehand and available within a reasonable distance of participants
(4) criteria for when to activate the safety evacuation plan.
(5) distinct "Warning" and "All Clear" signals.
(6) periodic review of plan with drills conducted
(7) distribution of information to participants through signs, pamphlets, etc.
When to seek a safe shelter:
(1) Depending on the terrain and activity the evacuation may need to be started as soon as a storm is detected.
(2) The minimum interval for seeking immediate shelter is when the lightning is estimated to be at least 3 miles away (5 kilometers; 15 seconds between flash and bang, see below).
(3) In most circumstances movement into a safe shelter should be done when a thunderstorm is 6 miles away (10 kilometers; 30 seconds between flash and bang).
The distance of lightning can be estimated by noting the number of seconds between the flash of the lightning and the following bang, with 1 mile distance for each 5 second interval.
If a person notices his or her hair standing on end or hear crackling sounds, then he or she may be in the lightning's electrical field. The person should immediately remove metal objects, place the feet together, and crouch down with the head ducked and the hands on the knees.
Persons struck by lightning do not carry an electrical charge and can be touched safely once the lightning strike has ceased. An emergency call should be made immediately and CPR should be initiated if needed. The responder should avoid placing the her/him-self in significant danger.
