That time of year again – look to the skies before taking to the field

I deal with weather issues daily.  Canceling, rescheduling and closing fields for safety.

June is Lightening Awareness. National Weather Service states that 1 in 1000 people in the United States will be affected by lightening annually some how.

Dorchester, adult soccer game in a thunder and lightening storm, playing on a a field with foot of water and five players sent to the hospital.   Weymouth, girls softball game – dry conditions, tree hit out of the blue, root system conducts electricity thru the infield, five girls stunned.

Be prepared is the key.   You are out practicing or playing and you see flashes in the sky what do you do.

In most cases you will be aware of lightening and so if you see it – flee it.  Evacuate.

The safest place to evacuate to is an enclosed structure with plumbing and electricity, next best is a vehicle.

What happens if your field is hit.  Lightening hits the tallest object, get away from trees, light poles, fences.  Pay attention to puddles and trees root system as they conduct electricity.

Get your team to the lowest point in area, squat down like a catcher on the balls of your feet until the storm passes.  Players should be spread out in 15 ft intervals, drop bats, clubs, sticks and take off metal cleat shoes.

Worst case, you have injuries.  Immediately call 911, start CPR on the victims.  Knowing CPR and how to do it will save lifes and your piece of mind.

Failure to plan is planning to fail.

If you are a coach you need to be a certified first responder with AED and CPR.  No one will argue with me on this matter but there are so many that don’t have any training, take the time – take a class – save a life 

Have an emergency plan, what do we do in an emergency.

Know the weather and plan ahead.  Tune in the weather a couple of hours before you hit the field.  Go to National Weather Service and check conditions.

The life that you save could be your own.

Be sure to check out our earlier blog on weather related smartphone apps that can help out on the field to stay safe.

http://www.lightningsafety.noaa.gov/outdoors.htm

http://www.publicaffairs.noaa.gov/grounders/lightningsafety.html