Warm Weather Exposures

Lightning Safety

In connecticut, most thunderstorms occur in the summer months when outdoor work and events, sports, golfing, and summer camp activities are in full swing. Lightning ranks as one of the top two causes of storm-related deaths in the United States, and about 400 people are injured by it each year. Municipal and school employees who work outdoors and students and children participating in outdoor school sports or Park and Rec activities are at risk. Because a lightning strike can literally be a bolt out of the blue -- with lightning propagating miles from the storm itself -- everyone should be aware of safety precautions when a thunderstorm and lightning approaches.

In general, if you can hear thunder or see lightning, move to a safe location in a building.  Wait a minimum of 20 minutes from the last observed lightning or thunder before resuming outdoor activities. NOAA

Some myths about lightning safety.
Myth: Metal attracts lightning. 
Fact: Metal does not attract lightning per se, but it does offer a path of least resistance to ground. The height of an object, a pointy shape, and isolation are the dominant factors of lightning attraction. Because metal is a conductor, everyone should stay away from metal fences, railing, bleachers, etc to avoid being electrocuted by lightning that electrifies the metal.

Myth: If outside in a thunderstorm, you should seek shelter under a tree to stay dry.
Fact: Being underneath a tree is the second leading cause of lightning casualties. The only safe structure is a building. Typically, any structure termed 'shelter' is not safe. This includes rain, sun, bus, picnic and park shelters; athletic storage sheds; dugouts; and tents. Structures with open areas, such as gazebos, screened porches, open press boxes, open garages, and refreshment stands are not safe. If these structures are a high point in the area, you may be at increased risk.

Myth: If trapped outside and lightning is about to strike, lying flat on the ground is safe.
Fact: Lying flat increases your chance of being injured by potentially deadly ground current. If you are caught outside in a thunderstorm, keep moving toward a safe shelter. If you cannot reach a building, go to a low area, like a valley or a ravine (but be alert for flash floods) and crouch with your feet close together. If you're in a boat in open water, get to land as quickly as possible.

Rules to Remember

• Stay off and away from anything tall or high, including rooftops, scaffolding, utility poles and ladders, hills, or ridges.
• Stay off and away from large equipment such as bulldozers, cranes, backhoes, track loaders, and tractors.
• Do not touch materials or surfaces that can conduct electricity, including metal scaffolding, metal equipment, utility lines, water, water pipes and plumbing, concrete (it may contain steel reinforcement rods).
• Leave areas that have materials that are explosive or munitions.

Safety Planning
Municipal and school employees who work outdoors or supervisor outdoor activities and events should become familiar with lightning-safety strategies. Download OSHA Fact Sheet- Lightning. Municipal and school leaders involved in outdoor events should:

1. Formalize and implement a specific lightning-safety policy specific before the season starts and before lightning threatens that includes the following: 

• Established and recognized chain of command to instigate suspension of outdoor events or evacuation of the facility, 
• A reliable means of monitoring the weather, including identification of a specific weather watcher, 
• A list of previously identified, venue-specific safe structures, and 
• Criteria for suspension of activity, evacuation of the facility, and issuing the all-clear signals. 

2. Post lightning-safety slogans to educate, including how to apply them to suspend activities. Leaders should be conservative and suspend activities at the first sign of lightning or thunder.
3. Practice and follow the published lightning-safety guidelines and strategies.
4. Maintain CPR and first-aid certifications and have AEDs and other first-aid equipment readily available.
(From the National Lightning Safety Council)

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