FISD Lightning Policy
1.  The chain of command that will make the call to remove individuals from the field will be as follows:

 Practices:  The athletic trainer and the head coach or coaches will make the call.  If an athletic trainer is not present, the head coach or coaches will make the call to remove the athletes from the field.

 Games:  The official(s) will make the call.  The official along with the school administrator or administrators will make the call.  If a school administrator is not present, the official and the head coach or coaches will make the call.

 2.  The athletic trainer will be the designated weather watcher (a person who actively looks for the signs of threatening weather and notifies the chain of command if severe weather becomes dangerous).  If an athletic trainer is not present, the head coach and coaches must be the designated weather watchers.

 3.  Local weather forecasts and warnings will be monitored on the local radio stations.  TV and the internet can also be used.  Some websites that can be used to look at the Doppler Radar include:  www.weather.com and www.fox4news.com

 4.  Designate a safe shelter for each venue (See explanation of "Safe Shelter").

 5.  Use the Flash-to-Bang count to determine when to go to safety.  By the time the Flash-to-Bang count approaches thirty seconds, all individuals should be already inside a safe structure (See explanation of "Flash-to-Bang").

 6.  Once activities have been suspended, wait at least thirty minutes following the last sound of thunder or lightning flash prior to resuming an activity or returning outdoors.

 7.  Avoid being the highest point in an open field, in contact with, or proximity to the highest point.  Do not take shelter under or near trees, flagpoles, or light poles.

 8.  Assume the lightning safe position (crouched on the ground, weight on the balls of the feet, feet together, head lowered and ears covered) for individuals who feel their hair stand on end, skin tingle, or hear "crackling" noises.  Do not lie flat on the ground.

 9.  Observe the following basic first aid procedures in managing victims of a lightning strike:

 10. All individuals have the right to leave an athletic site in order to seek a safe structure if the person feels in danger of impending lightning activity, without fear of repercussions or penalty from anyone.

Safe Shelter:

 1.  A safe location is any substantial, frequently inhabited building.  The building should have four solid walls (not dug out), electrical and telephone wiring, as well as plumbing, all of which aid in grounding a structure.

 2.  The secondary choice for a safer location from the lightning hazard is a fully enclosed vehicle with a metal roof and the windows completely closed.  It is important to not touch any part of the metal framework of the vehicle while inside it during ongoing thunderstorms.

 3.  It is not safe to shower, bathe or talk on landline phones while inside of a safe shelter during thunderstorms (cell phones are okay).

Flash-to-Bang:

 To use the Flash-to-Bang method, being counting when sighting a lightning flash.  Counting is stopped when the associated bang (thunder) is heard.  Divide this count by five to determine the distance to the lightning flash (in miles).  For example, a flash-to-bang count of thirty seconds equates to a distance of six miles.  Lightning has struck from as far away as 10 miles from the storm center.

 Postpone or suspend activity if a thunderstorm appears imminent before or during an activity or contest, (irrespective of whether lightning is seen or thunder is heard) until the hazard has passed.  Signs of imminent thunderstorm activity are darkening clouds, high winds and thunder or lightning activity.