LIGHTNING SAFETY
In our continued dedication to player and spectator safety we thought it was important provide information on lightning safety. In Southwest Florida it seems that thunderstorms are as much a part of the fall football & cheer season as the participants themselves. We prepare for each season with a lightning action plan which will be shared with parents by each teams head coach. Working together we can minimize the risks associated the inherent dangers that come with any outdoor activities.



What are the risks?
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.
· All thunderstorms produce lightning and are dangerous. Lightning kills more people each year than tornadoes.

• Lightning often strikes as far as 10 miles away from any rainfall. 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. If you can hear thunder, lightning is close enough that it could strike your location at any moment.

• 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 dark cloud bases and increasing wind. Every flash of lightning is dangerous, even the first. Head to safety before that first flash. If you hear thunder, head to safety!

• Blue Skies and Lightning. 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.

Where is a safe place?
There is no safe place outside when thunderstorms are in the area. If you hear thunder, you are likely within striking distance of the storm. Too many people wait far too long to get to a safe place when thunderstorms approach. Unfortunately, these delayed actions lead to many of the lightning deaths and injuries in the United States.


What should you know?
At our facility here at North Ft. Myers community park we are blessed to have a state-of-the-art Earth Networks Lightning Alert System which provides both audible and visual warning alerts. Please familiarize yourself with the following guidelines

• When the system detects lightning within 10 miles of the facility, the air horns sound an uninterrupted 15-second blast and the strobe light will activate.Spectators who hear the horn and/or see the light need to seek shelter in their vehicles. We have very limited shelter available which is utilized by our participants and volunteers.

• When the system no longer detects a threat, three 5-second blasts from the horn will sound and the strobe light will stop working. This is the signal that it is safe to return outdoors.