Lightning Safety During Sports Is Essential

Lighting Facts and Figures

Each year, about 400 children and adults in the U.S. are struck by lightning while working outside, at sports events, on the beach, mountain climbing, mowing the lawn or during other outdoor activities. About 80 people are killed and several hundred more are left to cope with permanent disabilities. Many of these tragedies can be avoided. Finishing the game, getting a tan, or completing a work shift aren't worth death or crippling injury.

• All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. Lightning kills more people each year than tornadoes.
• Lightning is all the more dangerous because of the suddenness with which it strikes. A thunderstorm can form in 15 minutes.
• It is a myth that lightning only emanates from the center of a storm. Lightning often strikes as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall (in fact, lightning has been documented as far as 20 miles from the storm).
• Many deaths from lightning occur ahead of the storm because people try and wait to the last minute before seeking shelter.
• You are in danger from lightning if you can hear thunder or see lightning. If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough that it could strike your location at any moment.
• Just because it isn't raining doesn't mean you can't be struck by lightning
• Lightning injuries can lead to permanent disabilities or death. On average, 20% of strike victims die; 70% of survivors suffer serious long-term effects.
• Look for puffy white clouds that suddenly turn gray and billow upward and dark clouds bases and increasing wind. Every flash of lightning is dangerous, even the first. Head to safety before that first flash appears. If you hear thunder, head to safety!
• Lightning can travel sideways for up to 10 miles. Even when the sky looks blue and clear, be cautious. If you hear thunder, take cover. At least 10% of lightning occurs without visible clouds in the sky.
• Most thunderstorms spark in the early evening, which is the time when most youth sports teams are playing their games.

Outdoors Is Single Most Dangerous Place

The most dangerous place to be during a lightning storm is outdoors. When lightning is seen or thunder is heard, or when dark clouds are observed, quickly move indoors or into a hard-topped vehicle and remain there until well after the lightning storm ends. Listen to forecasts and warnings through NOAA Weather Radio or your local TV and radio stations. If lightning is forecast, plan an alternate activity or know where you can take cover quickly.

The U.S. lightning season is summer but lightning can strike year round! The Fourth of July is historically one of the most deadly times of the year for lightning. In summer, more people are outside, on the beach, golf course, mountains or ball fields. Outdoor jobs such as construction and agriculture, and outdoor chores such as lawn mowing or house painting are at their peak, putting those involved in danger.