Outdoor venues typically host events of varying size and complexity . In order to create a suitable safe lightning radius for an outdoor venue , crowd size and the speed of the expected storm must be taken into account . It is recommended that your Lightning Safety Plan involve a professional meteorologist to determine a safe radius for each venue . Lightning Safety Plans should adapt to take into account how long it takes to move a large crowd to shelter in the face of a swift-moving lightning storm . Although the 8-mile ( 13 km ) radius is the minimum recommended , many outdoor venues in the US now use a 10-mile ( 16 km ) radius to allow time to evacuate all patrons to safety , as well as secure the venue against potential damage .
ITEM 3 : Identify vulnerable spaces where lightning poses a significant hazard to patrons , staff , or entertainers .
There is no safe place outside when lightning is in the area . If you hear thunder , you are likely within striking distance of lightning . Don ’ t worry about the flash-to-bang time or counting in an attempt to determine distance . Quickly implementing your Lightning Safety Plan is a better use of time . Two slogans stand out for outreach purposes . “ When You See It , Flee It ” and “ When Thunder Roars , Go Indoors !” Unsafe buildings include open garages , car ports , covered patios , picnic shelters , beach pavilions , golf shelters , tents of any kind , baseball dugouts , sheds , and partially enclosed vending areas . Unsafe vehicles include golf carts , construction equipment with open canopies , tractors , forklifts , bucket trucks or cherry pickers , convertibles , motorcycles , or any other open cab vehicle .
ITEM 4 : Identify safe structures for lightning refuge ( these could include autos , buses , etc .).
Your Lightning Safety Plan should identify substantial lightning-safe structures and have specific evacuation instructions and maps . A lightning-safe structure is either a substantial building ( one with plumbing and wiring such as a home , school , church , office building , indoor concourse , or recreation center ) or an enclosed metal vehicle . Once inside , stay away from showers , sinks , bathtubs , and electrical equipment such as radios connected to external antennas , corded telephones , and computers . A safe vehicle is any fully enclosed metal-topped vehicle such as a hard-topped car , minivan , bus , truck , etc . While inside a vehicle , do not open any windows and do not use electronic devices such as radios attached to external antennae or touch metal framing or fencing during a lightning storm .
ITEM 5 : Designate a weather officer to monitor weather conditions , preferably in conjunction with a professional meteorologist .
The weather officer will be assigned the role of devoting attention to monitoring weather conditions . Before each event , the weather officer will review the weather forecast and monitor weather conditions . The weather officer ’ s primary responsibility is to notify command staff of any weather threats , and make sure the command staff has reviewed the Lightning Safety Plan . All command staff should be clearly identified in your plan . The weather officer should know how to access or make lightning forecasts , preferably with the assistance of a professional meteorologist . If available , mobile technology ( through web pages or mobile applications ) can be used to supplement weather information ( radar , warnings ) during the event . The weather officer ’ s main responsibilities are to keep eyes and ears to the sky , to be the liaison with a professional meteorologist or service , and to communicate any weather threats to the command staff and official in-charge .
ITEM 6 : Craft pre-determined messages and communications protocols for notification of lightning risk , lightning threat , and lightning evacuation protocols ( scripts , graphics , maps , etc .).
Event attendees need to be provided with the following information :
1 . Before the event begins , inform attendees that a lightning threat exists and that protective action may be required that day . Provide instructions
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