Tuesday 7 February 2012

Dealing With Lightning And Youth Sports

At any given time throughout the world, there are a couple of thousands of lightning storms occuring. Each storm on it's own produces an astounding number of lightning bolts. Every bolt of lightning packs enough energy to keep a 100 watt lighbult lit for more than a quarter of a year. Given how often and how dangerous lightning can be, it is a wonder that more individuals don't suffer injury or death by these potent lightning bolts.

It is during the summer months in North America when most lightning strikes the ground. This is the same time when children are involved in outdoor sports.

In these situations, the adults involved -- the parents, coaches, and officials -- are responsible for ensuring the safety of the child athletes. A lightning policy should be in place and someone at the sports venues needs to be responsible for watching carefully the weather conditions and risks. It is not a good idea to gamble on personal observation of storms that might be brewing. The use of a portable lightning detector at the sports venue can provide superior advance warning and ensuring the safety of those involved.

Officials including convenors, referees and others involved in sports of children should be educated on how to ensure the safety of those attending the games when there is risk of lightning strikes.

If you can see lightning or hear the claps of thunder, it is a good idea to postpone the game and maybe even consider canceling it until another day. The kids you are responsible for are already at risk. Even though there may be no raindrops, the risk of lightning is quite high at your location. Many lightning strike injuries occur as the storm begins as many are just not aware of the risks. Some don't know that lightning strikes might occur fifteen kilometers distant from where the rain is falling.

Louder or more frequent thunder means that the storm is approaching, increasing your risk. When the delay in time between lightning bolt and hearing thunder is less than 30 seconds, your kids should be in a safe place already, or rushing to get there!

Having around weather warning devices including weather radio is important as a credible SkyScan lightning detector. However, do not let this information override good common sense.

Large buildings provide a much safer environment during a storm than smaller ones. Small structures like gazebos and cabanas should be avoided during thunderstorms.

Learn more about the ews pro lightning detector.

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