Lightning Safety

Lightning Safety

Lightning is one of nature’s most powerful forces—and it can be deadly. Staying informed and prepared can save lives during outdoor activities. This guide outlines essential facts, dispels common myths, and explains the 30/30 Lightning Safety Rule, helping coaches, athletes, and spectators make quick, smart decisions when thunderstorms strike.

Lightning Facts You Should Know

  • Roughly 70 people are killed and over 400 injured by lightning annually in the U.S. (NOAA)
  • 1 in 10 lightning strike victims dies, while 70% suffer long-term complications (NOAA)
  • Golf courses are the most common location for lightning strikes. The second? Ball fields and open fields (Angel & Hison, 1995)
  • A lightning bolt can reach temperatures of 50,000°F—hotter than the sun’s surface
  • Thunderstorms typically measure 6 to 10 miles wide and move at speeds of about 25 mph
  • Lightning can strike from up to 10 miles away, even when skies appear clear

Common Lightning Myths—Exposed

  • “Heat lightning” isn’t safe: It’s just regular lightning too far away for thunder to be heard. If the storm is moving your way, it can pose a threat.
  • Rubber-soled shoes offer no real protection: They won’t prevent injury from a lightning strike.
  • Cars aren’t fully safe: Though the metal frame provides some protection, injuries can still occur—especially if you’re touching metal or conducting surfaces inside. A car is safer than being outside but not as safe as a sturdy building.
  • You can help someone struck by lightning: Victims do not carry an electrical charge. Immediate CPR or AED use can be life-saving.

30/30 Lightning Rule for Postponing Activity and Returning to Activity

The 30/30 Rule is a widely accepted safety standard to determine when to suspend or resume outdoor activities during thunderstorms.

How It Works:

  • If the time between lightning flash and thunder is 30 seconds or less, the storm is within 6 miles—it’s time to stop all activity and seek shelter.
  • Only return outside 30 minutes after the last sound of thunder or flash of lightning.

“When thunder roars, go indoors.” If you hear it, you’re already at risk.

Who Makes the Call?

Assign a weather safety official—ideally a coach, athletic director, or trained supervisor—to monitor conditions and make decisions regarding delays. Their authority should be respected and unquestioned.

When suspending play, consider:

  • Size of the crowd

    • Larger crowds will require more time to evacuate and relocate to a safer location. In such circumstances, making the call to suspend activity should be made well in advance of lightning meeting the 6-mile mark.

  • Available shelter access points

  • Clear, reliable communication methods

    • A dependable method of communication must be available during the activity to allow for timely notifications of severe weather, evacuation instructions, and information on designated safe locations.

*Note: Weather apps can be helpful, but should not override official guidelines or policies. Many apps have delayed notifications or inaccurate readings.

If someone should suffer a lightning strike, call 911 immediately. Determine if CPR or use of an AED is required. Once an assessment of the victim’s safety is made, move him or her to a safe place.  Continue monitoring the victim’s condition until emergency services arrive.

Best Places to Take Shelter (Ranked by Safety)

1. A Sturdy Building

  • Must be fully enclosed with electrical wiring and plumbing (for grounding)
  • Avoid open doors/windows, plumbing fixtures, landline phones, and metal surfaces
  • Concrete walls or floors can conduct electricity—don’t lean or lie on them

2. An Enclosed Vehicle

  • A car, van, or bus with a metal roof and windows completely closed
  • Do not touch any metal parts or anything connected to the outside (like the steering wheel or radio)

3. In the Open (Last Resort)

  • Stay away from water, tall or isolated objects (trees, poles), fences, bleachers, and metal equipment
  • If exposed, remove metal objects, crouch low with feet together, and place hands on your knees—minimize ground contact

Safety Announcements & Signage

Facilities should have pre-written announcements for use during storms. These should clearly direct:

  • Spectators and players are to immediately seek shelter in a building
  • Alternative shelter options like vehicles
  • Warnings to avoid trees, metal structures, and open fields

Signage near athletic fields should explain the 30/30 Rule and where to find safe locations.

Final Word on Lightning Safety

Lightning is unpredictable. While the 30/30 Rule provides strong guidelines, risk still exists. Prioritizing early decisions, fast communication, and safe shelter is the best way to protect lives.

    Sources:

  • National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. 25 Apr. 2006. 22 Sept. 2006.
  • National Lightning Safety Institute. 11 Sept. 2006. 22 Sept. 2006.
  • Lightning Safety: NCAA Guideline 1D. June 1998. 22 Sept. 2006.
  • Journal of Athletic Training 2000; 35(4):471-477. the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Inc.
  • Blackburn, Mike. “Athletic Administrator Need Plan For Dealing With Dangers Of Lightning.”
    Interscholastic Athletic Administration 1999: 22-24.
  • Appenzeller, Herb, David Scott, Todd Seidler. Risk Management In Sport. Durham: Carolina Academic Press, 2005.

DISCLAIMER: NO PLACE OUTSIDE IS SAFE FROM LIGHTNING NEAR THUNDERSTORMS. THE GUIDELINES REFERENCED IN THIS ARTICLE ARE NOT 100% SAFE DUE TO THE RANDOM AND UNPREDICTABLE NATURE OF LIGHTNING.

 

John M. Sadler, JD, CIC 9-15-06